Our MissionWe are passionate about taking people outside to unplug and slow down, rekindling awe and appreciation for Earth.
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Leafing out and rooting in...
Leaf out announces the arrival of spring, when the buds burst open and the boreal forest emerges from its winter slumber. It is this awakening and reminder to notice changes in the natural world--big and small--for which we named our venture.
From the time we were kids we both knew that being outside was an important part of life. By the time we met in college studying biology, we were both hooked on hiking. Evan is an Eagle Scout, having spent most weekends in his youth out hiking, climbing, and canoeing. Shannon's early years were a bit less structured, searching out mud puddles, creeks and ponds to catch frogs, crayfish and tadpoles, followed by bikepacking and camping with her family. After various careers and completing our master's degrees, we decided to go back to what brought us together and share our passion for the natural world with others.
We like to participate in our surroundings: crouching low to catch the tiny sundew in bloom, pausing to breathe the sweet perfume of spruce and labrador tea on a hot day, or admiring the way the sunlight glistens off the feathery hoarfrost.
We would love to take you out and show you a bit of the Alaskan beauty we love!
From the time we were kids we both knew that being outside was an important part of life. By the time we met in college studying biology, we were both hooked on hiking. Evan is an Eagle Scout, having spent most weekends in his youth out hiking, climbing, and canoeing. Shannon's early years were a bit less structured, searching out mud puddles, creeks and ponds to catch frogs, crayfish and tadpoles, followed by bikepacking and camping with her family. After various careers and completing our master's degrees, we decided to go back to what brought us together and share our passion for the natural world with others.
We like to participate in our surroundings: crouching low to catch the tiny sundew in bloom, pausing to breathe the sweet perfume of spruce and labrador tea on a hot day, or admiring the way the sunlight glistens off the feathery hoarfrost.
We would love to take you out and show you a bit of the Alaskan beauty we love!
The Team
Shannon Busby
Shannon spends most of her days outside in the boreal forest. In the winter she is skiing and snowshoeing, and in summer she is collecting edible and medicinal plants. She also grows a large garden to feed her family and to supplement the herbs she collects from the forest. In 2016, she completed her master’s degree in natural resource management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, studying the role that plants play in health and wellness. Using the plants that she collects and grows here in Alaska, Shannon creates a wide variety of medicinal salves, balms, tinctures, teas, and birch bark products. She is passionate about learning and teaching friends and family local plants that aid in staying healthy and happy. Cooper, her lovable canine companion, spends most of his time right by her side, and he happily provides quality control for the homemade dog biscuits that she cooks up!
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Evan Sterling
Evan grew up playing outdoors as a scout. These days, he spends his time skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and backpacking and wildland firefighting in the summer time. He volunteers with the Ester Volunteer Fire Department, and typically supports wildland fires as an EMT. A former high school biology and environmental science teacher and biological research technician, he enjoys sharing his passion for the outdoors with everyone! Evan has a master's degree in ecological literacy and is always eager to spend time in the boreal forest with friends and visitors alike. Welcome!
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