Keynote Speaker

Teaching OUTSIDE the Box 2012 Keynote Speaker

Jonathan Waterman

Jonathan Waterman has published ten unique journey books exploring history, culture, and environment. He is renowned for unprecedented mountaineering ascents, long river descents, and arduous wilderness traverses—such as his 2,200 mile solo of the Northwest Passage (Arctic Crossing, Knopf, 2001).

Jon has also written for, appeared in, and created five TV documentaries about his wild journeys. The accolades for his work include 7 book and magazine awards, an Emmy, and a Denali National Park Special Achievement Award for his rescue service on Mt. McKinley.

The research for his three-year long “Colorado River Project” was supported by the National Geographic Society, a Sonoran Institute Fellowship, and sponsorship from the sustainable company New Belgium Brewing (that relies, like most in-state industry, upon Colorado River water - see this link for more information. ) His 1,450-mile and unprecedented, five-month-long journey included unintentional swims through rapids; trespasses across dams; weeks of solitude on the river balanced by meeting scientists and water operators; and a long walk through the dried-out delta.

The media for the project —including film, websites, a lecture tour, and a unique National Geographic wall map of the Colorado River Basin— revolves around his books: Running Dry: A Journey From Source to Sea Down the Colorado River (May 18, National Geographic Books), and a coffee-table tome with the acclaimed photographer, Pete McBride, The Colorado River: Flowing through Conflict (September, Westcliffe Publishers).  

Jon lives with his family in Carbondale, Colorado.

Running Dry, starred review, Booklist: “An evocative and bold take on a river and what winning the West really means, Waterman’s book epitomizes the best of environmental writing.”

Please note:  Jonathan Waterman’s books will be available for purchase during the conference