#OptOutside 2023

OptOutside this Black Friday with Outside Chronicles. Join us for this FREE, day-long event. We are partnering with Earth Spirit, The Field Guides Podcast, WNY Land Conservancy, and Hikerbabes WNY to offer 6 great hikes in WNY. After the hikes, we will all rally at 42 North Brewing Company to share our adventures.  Space is limited, RSVP is required for the hikes.  RSVP is requested for the After Party, all are welcome.

Please RSVP for only ONE hike

Itinerary

• 10:00a – 1:00p – Hiking at multiple locations
• 1:00p – 3:00p+ – After Party at 42North Brewing Company

Hiking Locations

1. Hunters Creek with Bill from The Field Guides Podcast
   Distance: 3.5 miles
   Difficulty: moderate
   Trailhead: Google maps
   
   
2. Owens Falls Sanctuary with Sandy from Earth Spirit
   Distance: 1.5 miles
   Difficulty: easy
   Trailhead: Google maps
   
   
3. Emery Park with Mike from Outside Chronicles
   Distance: 2.5 miles
   Difficulty: moderate
   Trailhead: Google maps
   
   
4. Margery Gallogly Nature Sanctuary with Erik from WNY Land Conservancy
   Distance: 2.0 miles
   Difficulty: easy
   Trailhead: Google maps
   
   
5. Knox Farm State Park with Daniel from Earth Spirit
   Distance: 3.2 miles
   Difficulty: easy
   Trailhead: Google maps
   
   
6. Sprague Brook Park with Jenn from HikerBabes WNY
   Distance: 3.5 miles
   Difficulty: moderate
   Trailhead: Google maps

Event Full?

Meet your guides

Bill Michalek, The Field Guides Podcast

Bill is a native of WNY and started his career as an environmental educator with Earth Spirit and the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center. He now teaches public school, is an adjunct instructor in UB’s Environment and Sustainability Program, and runs the bird banding program for the Buffalo Audubon Society. He loves to share stories of the natural world – especially as co-host of The Field Guides podcast – and to hear them from anyone willing to share.

Sandy Geffner, Earth Spirit

Sandy is the Co-Founder of Earth Spirit.  He has over 30 years of experience as the Director and Naturalist Educator at Earth Spirit.  Sandy is the Environmental Studies Program Coordinator and Director of Internships and Experiential Learning at the University of Buffalo in the Department of Environment and Sustainability.  His specialties include outreach, environmental education, natural history, and cultural perspectives on the environment.

Daniel Mlodozeniec, Earth Spirit

Daniel began his environmental career with the University at Buffalo’s Environmental Studies program. During this time, he interned with Earth Spirit and from there, worked locally at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, running their summer camps and watershed programming. Most recently, Daniel worked as an Environmental Education Coordinator at the Okefenokee Swamps in Georgia, leading swamp excursions and designing environmental programming. He enjoys wildlife photography, camping, fishing, and birding.

Mike Radomski, Outside Chronicles

Mike is the founder of Outside Chronicles and the WNY Hiking Challenge where he is proud to have donated $300,000 to local non-profit outdoor education and conservation groups in WNY.  He is excited to see people embrace the outdoors and change their lifestyles for the better.  He wants to “See you outside!” More about Mike at OC’s About Us page.

Erik Danielson, WNY Land Conservancy

Erik is always asking questions in an effort to understand the relationships between flora, fauna, geology, and society that drive Western New York’s rich and diverse ecosystems. With a background ranging from forestry and pasture management to recycling education Erik came on board with the Land Conservancy to assist with The Riverline project and branched out from there. He’s grateful to be able to do so much more as a part of this team in the service of conservation and education.

Jenn Crane, Hikerbabes Community: WNY Chapter

Jenn, a dedicated educator and passionate outdoor enthusiast, possesses extensive scientific ecological knowledge, specializing in environmental education and outdoor programming. In 2021, she proudly assumed the role of ambassador for Hikerbabes, successfully revitalizing and expanding the local chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter has flourished, now boasting three additional ambassadors and a remarkable community of 2,000 women.

Please RSVP for only ONE hike