ERIC STRICKLER
Outdoor Trip Leader
Education: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management, Grand Valley State
Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR/First Aid, Swiftwater Rescue Technician Level 1, Rigging for Rescue (technical ropes rigging)
Interests: Climbing, Mountaineering, Trail Running, Sea and Whitewater Kayaking, Sailing, Camping, Backpacking
Eric is originally from Grand Rapids, MI, and obtained his B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Grand Valley State University. Eric moved out to the Pacific Northwest in 2008 to work on Mt. Rainier’s Ecological Restoration crew and has become enamored with the natural beauty of the landscape of this region, and the privilege that it is to live here. Since 2008 Eric worked as an AmeriCorps intern with Cascade Land Conservancy, a “restoration technician” at Rocky Mountain National Park, a trip leader for wilderness therapy expeditions, and presently as the Program Manager for Salish Sea Expeditions, a marine science education non-profit based on Bainbridge Island.
Eric’s personal outdoor interests include climbing, mountaineering, trail running, sea and whitewater kayaking, sailing, and of course camping and backpacking! Eric loves to share his knowledge of the landscapes, flora and fauna with interested youth, adults and families and is thus very excited to be a trip leader for the Bainbridge outdoor programs through B.I. parks and recreation. He has recently been developing a love and knowledge of all things winged in the region be it bats, birds, owls or insects. Always equipped with a pair of binoculars Eric loves to spend time appreciating the many incredible creatures of our region, and consider the many thousands of miles they may have gone to be where they are at that moment!
Eric holds a number of medical and technical certifications, and feels safety in the outdoors is paramount when taking groups out to experience these environments. Certifications include: Wilderness First Responder, CPR/First aid, Swiftwater rescue technician level 1, Rigging for rescue (technical ropes rigging) technician. Eric enjoys the fact that he rarely has to use these skills, and can instead focus on teaching people strategies for backcountry travel, knots, and gourmet cooking skills in the backcountry.