[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNIZING WILDERNESS INQUIRY'S FORTY YEARS OF OUTDOOR EXPLORATION AND 
                               INCLUSION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2018

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Wilderness Inquiry 
as it begins a year of celebration of its 40th anniversary with a May 
7th celebration in the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda. A Minnesota 
nonprofit, Wilderness Inquiry is a national treasure, serving as a 
portal to the natural wonder around us--from right in our backyard to 
across the globe. During its first 40 years, Wilderness Inquiry has 
provided outdoor adventures for more than half-a-million people of all 
ages, backgrounds and physical abilities, Their work is defined by the 
understanding that our natural world belongs to all of us, and we can 
all enjoy and benefit from time shared together in the great outdoors.
  A lifelong passion for the outdoors led two new 1978 college 
graduates named Greg Lais and Paul Schurke to be trailblazers in 
organizing expeditions for all. The success of an earlier week-long 
trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with a group of 
people with a variety of physical abilities served as inspiration for a 
bold new nonprofit that could offer true wilderness adventures to 
everyone. ``Wilderness Inquiry'' was born, and under Greg's ongoing 
leadership, has grown to offer an incredible assortment of trips, both 
around the nation and across the world, that welcome people from all 
walks of life and all abilities. Whether it's a first canoeing trip 
down a local river, camping in a national park, or exploring the 
farthest reaches of the world, Wilderness Inquiry empowers everyone to 
access adventures. Their amazing team of staff and outdoor leaders 
create trips that are fun, memorable and life-changing for students, 
families and business teams alike.
  The strength of Wilderness Inquiry is that it doesn't do it alone. 
Through partnerships with more than 100 organizations, they fulfill 
their mission to share the outdoors with everyone. I am particularly 
proud of Wilderness Inquiry's collaboration with U.S. Interior 
Department agencies like the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service on its Canoemobile initiative. This ``floating 
classroom'' works with urban cities and school districts, countless 
volunteers and other organizations to bring students from all 
backgrounds out on waterways around the country in beautiful, hand-
crafted 24-foot Voyageur canoes to learn about science, history, 
geography and culture.
  Braving the wilderness doesn't come naturally to everyone. It takes 
courage to step outside our comfort zones. Wilderness Inquiry offers 
the support and opportunity for everyone to make this leap. Through 
these shared adventures, presumptions are challenged, people grow, and 
community is strengthened. I can vouch for the fact that these 
adventures are fun. But the best proof is in the smiling faces of the 
more than 40,000 people that Wilderness Inquiry serves each year.
  It's no surprise that over the years Wilderness Inquiry has received 
numerous awards in recognition of their unwavering commitment to people 
with disabilities, underserved youth, outdoor education, and 
conservation.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to recognize Wilderness Inquiry 
on their 40th anniversary and commending the passion and dedication of 
so many volunteers, staff, board members and partners for their efforts 
in providing outdoor opportunities for all.

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