Storyfest winners take in astonishing Alaska
We just concluded our 2018 Planet Forward storytelling expedition to Alaska with Lindblad Expeditions aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. Wow!
Our Storyfest winners were dazzled by the ecosystems, the humpback and killer whales, bald eagles, sea lions and sea otters, brown bears and porcupines they saw, studied, and photographed. Compelling characters in amazing stories.
Our students touched time as they visited towering glaciers and embraced centuries-old Sitka Spruces. They considered their human footprint as they heard about dwindling fisheries and witnessed the calving of the glaciers. They pondered their place on the planet as they explored remote settlements and learned about Tlingit culture and other native peoples.
Our Planet Forward students shot video, took pictures, interviewed naturalists and scientists aboard ship, wrote and produced. They dove into their stories. You’ll start seeing them in the next couple of weeks.
Professor Dr. Imani Cheers guided them through digital production techniques and social media. Planet Forward board member Michael Silberman gave a talk about how citizen action campaigns use narratives to galvanize action. Dan Reed, our intrepid director, did a brilliant job directing all activities — leading, organizing, mobilizing.
We all met with Alaska’s lieutenant governor when we arrived in Juneau Sunday morning. Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott spoke about the environment, the role of oil and gas in Alaska, native peoples, and the impact climate change is having on this vast and breathtaking place. A representative from Alaska Airlines, which provided transportation for the students, flew in just to meet us.
We are so grateful to Lindblad Expeditions and Alaska Airlines for making this remarkable experiential learning opportunity possible. It has already had tangible impact. Stories, yes. But several students said their Planet Forward experience has shown them the power of communication and storytelling in environmental, health, science and policy. Several want to incorporate this mission into their careers. They know how much it is needed.
This trip was more than a success. It validated all we stand for and are trying to do. Powerful experiential learning with a generation that has more reach and more potential than any in human history. At a time when we need these stories told. The trip was inspiring in every way.
Here’s a preview of what we saw from Instagram — with much more to come!
How we kicked off our trip:
Sewanee student Vanessa Moss shared the view from the cabins on the Sea Lion:
Video from GW winner Alex Rubeinstein:
Planet Forward board member Michael Silberman got some amazing shots of the bears they encountered:
The zodiac boat Planet Forward Director Dan Reed and I were on had a very close encounter with a whale:
Planet Forward’s Laura Whaling focuses on the ice:
Alex found the sea lions:
See Alaska through the eyes of Columbia University’s Katherine Baker:
A fun accessory for the GoPro helped Laura get this amazing shot:
Another whale sighting, courtesy of Alex:
Finally, gorgeous captures of last light — which was at about 10 pm local time — as recorded by GW’s Shandra Furtado: