Adrian grew up near a tidal river in Rhode Island which started his connection to the natural world. Teaching at Sterling since 1991. Married to Allison Van Akkeren. He enjoys the connection to the world that building and living in a small off-grid solar homestead provides. Also adventuring and commuting by foot, bike, ski or canoe. Currently, orienteering on cross-country skis or foot keeps him busy training and competing. These values show up in his teaching of hand-tool skills, outdoor travel, forestry, trail work, renewable energy and environmental science classes
Profile
| Award | Institution |
|---|---|
| M.Ed. Environmental Science | Plymouth State University |
| B.A. Engineering Sciences + (Environmental Studies minor) | Dartmouth College |
Interests:
Building with logs is enjoyable. This summer completed a timber framed shed addition to last summer's hand-hewn timber framed garage/barn.Accomplishments
Ski-Orienteering – Named to U.S. World Championship Team since 2008 – 3rd place – Long Dist. at World Masters Ski-O Championship 2015
U.S. Ski-O National Champion 2016,14,12, 10
Adventure Racing
Bitter Pill 12 hr-Adventure Race (1st place 2005, 2006,2009,2010,2013 ) (2nd place 2011) Usually racing with Allison
After over 2 years of preparation, March of 2018 saw the Ski-Orienteering World Cup race week and World Championship for Masters age groups come to Craftsbury from 19 countries. Adrian was the main event director and dedicated hundreds of hours to crafting dozens of miles of new trails.
ACA Level 4 Whitewater Canoe Instructor since 2007
Leave-No-Trace Trainer
Wilderness First Responder since 1997
Catamount Ski Trail trail chief for Craftsbury/Eden section since 2001
Three Books You Recommend?
- Radical Simplicity by Jim Merkel
- Dirt Works by Christine Byl
This class will meet in person twice per week, probably in the evening to avoid conflicts with Block 2 pods. Smaller group study sessions can also be scheduled. Class material is reinforced…
Topics in Ecological Action: Invasive Plants Management
This course uses foundational ecological knowledge to focus on non-native terrestrial plants found on the Craftsbury campus and to build an understanding of landscape conditions that allow these plants’ proliferation. …
Woodlot Practices provides students the opportunity to implement a small component of the College’s forest management plan by harvesting trees using a variety of hand tools, emphasizing chainsaws. Students learn…
This course explores on how people work in groups when facing challenging or unfamiliar situations. Personal development focuses on self-confidence, trusting teammates, and communication. Leadership and group problems solving exercises…
An introduction to recreational Nordic Skiing including both classic and skate skiing for groomed trails. Ski waxing, equipment and proper clothing will be address as well as technical skiing skills….
Renewable Energy Design and Analysis: Tiny House
Teaches the skills and knowledge necessary for the design and analysis of renewable energy designs that are applicable on a variety of scales. The tiny house exemplifies the approach of…
In Memory of Michael Phillips
“We are not at the end of a rope, as it’s so easy to think. Humanity can yet choose to turn direction. The moment has come to leap into action…
View moreSpencer Mast ’17 Awarded Union Bank Scholarship
Spencer Mast is a 2nd year student at Sterling College studying Environmental Humanities and minoring in Draft Horse Management. An Eagle Scout from New London, Minnesota, Spencer came to Sterling…
View moreFinancing the Working Landscape Conference
On October 24, Sterling College hosted the all-day conference “Financing the Working Landscape.” The conference was hosted by the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) and the Northeastern Vermont Development Association. Here, the…
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