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2024 Columbia Spring Showcase Speakers

2024 Presentations Listed Below. 
2025 schedule will be announced ASAP.

Friday, April 5

Presenter: Emily Woll, Alpine Shop Manager

Title: MR340 Lessons Learned

The American Water Missouri River MR340 is an epic marathon paddle race and quite the undertaking… but it is definitely something to be proud of doing. Emily was a MR340 DNF, finisher and ground crew, it is safe to say she learned a few things while paddling along the muddy Missouri. She will share a few beginner trips and tricks and stories for frist time MR340 racers and ground crew.

Presenter: Steve Schnarr, Executive Director, Missouri River Relief

Title: Paddle Racing on the Missouri

The muddy Missouri is a big river that can be intimidating, but it is a great river for a paddle trip or for racing. Steve and Missouri River Relief host two big races you may have heard of – the Missouri American Water MR340 and Race to the Dome. Come learn some tips and tricks about preparing for and finishing these two esteemed races. Good for beginners and veteran kayakers alike.

Saturday, April 6

Presenter: Kristen Schulte, Education Director, Missouri River Relief

Title: Getting Outdoors With Kiddos

Hiking and paddling are great fun. They are great fun with little kiddos too! If you have a wee one of 3 or 5 or younger, this is a presentation you won’t want to miss! Kristen will share some wonderful tips and tricks of outdoor adventures with kiddos, what works, what doesn’t work, and maybe a spooky story about lessons learned too.

Presenter: Michael Stambaugh, Professor of Forest Ecology & Director of Center for Tree Ring Science

Title: Tree Rings Rock

Long records and greatest hits from Missouri trees. Stambaugh is a dendrochronologist (tree-ring scientist) and will explain how tree-ring records are made and scrutinized to understand time, forest history, and climate of our great state. 

Presenter: Dave McGee, Co-Owner of COMO Rocks

Title: Climbing El Capitan

Step away from the limestone bluffs of the Ozarks and head west to the larger-than-life mountans of the Sierra Nevada. Yosemite valley is the home of some of the most magnificent landscapes in the country. Perhaps the most iconic is is the incredible granite face of El Capitan. This feature has become the crown jewel for many climbers and is featured in popular films Free Solo and The Dawn Wall. Hear COMO Rocks Co-Owner Dave McGee share his stories and tips from his El Cap ascent, and get inspired to attempt the summit yourself.

Presenter: The Alpine Shop Female Crew

Title: Women Gone Wild

Isn’t backpacking alone scary? Hiking solo isn’t safe. I want to get out there, but I’m not sure where to start. Does any of this sound familiar ladies? Well, the women of Alpine Shop are here to dispell the lady -alone -in -the -woods stereotypes and myths! We love getting outdoors, with our gal pals, solo or sometimes with our boy buddies. But always we are calm and capable! Come for the advice and the confidence, stay for the stories!

 

Presenter: Jake Dalton & Josie Hall

Title: Preparing for Philmont

Spending their summers at Philmont Scout Ranch as a Trip Leader or a Ranger, Jake and Josie have learned a few things. come learn about what gear you’ll need and the skills you can practice to have a successful, safe and remarkable trip through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains! (This presentation is a double feature! If you can’t make it Saturday at 4:00, then be sure to swing by for the 1:00 pm presentation on Sunday!)

Sunday, April 7

Presenter: Jake Dalton & Josie Hall

Title: Preparing for Philmont

This presentation is a double feature! If you missed Saturday’s 4:00 presentation, be sure to swing by for this one! Spending their summers at Philmont Scout Ranch as a Trip Leader or a Ranger, Jake and Josie have learned a few things. come learn about what gear you’ll need and the skills you can practice to have a successful, safe and remarkable trip through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains!