Hi, my name is Nick McDaniel. I grew up on a small farm in Southern Iowa. Hunting, exploring the woods, and working on the farm sparked my love for the outdoors. After moving to northwest Arkansas for college, my love for the outdoors has only grown. Since starting school at the University of the Ozarks, I have become an active member of the outdoors program, community garden, and more recently the U of O’s nature preserve. My curiosity about the natural world is fueled by my majors in Biology and Environmental Studies. Any opportunity to spend time outside learning and laughing with others I try to be a part of. For that reason, WRFI was an opportunity I could not let pass.

I was a part of the 2019 Montana Afoot and Afloat course. It was an amazing two months spent traveling, exploring, and learning about human and land relations across Montana. Sunrises, frosty mornings, and doing course work under the stars made each day memorable. The lessons I learned throughout the course will have a substantial impact on my future. Without a doubt, for the better. Lou Bruno, a guest speaker from my course told us “Imagine what the world would look like if everyone did the same” in regards to his conservation actions along the Rocky Mountain Front. I like to think of WRFI in the same way, what would the world look like if everyone had the opportunity to take a WRFI course? Pretty rad would be a good answer.

Please feel free to reach out to me about any questions on courses, my WRFI experience, rock climbing, paddling, backpacking, wrestling, or simply anything.