438: What Do We Lose When We Lose Our Wilderness?

Guest David Meier is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Friends of the Boundary Waters, engaging and growing a tremendous community of BWCA enthusiasts who enjoy and protect this wilderness. He also hosts the "Big Red Canoe" podcast and recently returned from a transformative first solo trip in the Boundary Waters. Summary David explores how wilderness fosters solitude, self-reliance, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Drawing on his first solo canoe trip, he describes how slowing down and observing wildlife helped him reset and reconnect with himself. He also discusses the threats facing Minnesota's Boundary Waters, particularly proposed sulfide mining and climate change, and the organization's efforts to protect public lands and educate young people. David's central message is that wilderness is both a personal source of renewal and a shared natural treasure that demands active protection. Through conservation advocacy and youth education, he hopes to inspire future generations to become wilderness stewards. Social Media Links Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/friendsBWCAW/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsbwcaw Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/bwca.bsky.social LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/friends-of-the-boundary-waters-wilderness/