Freelance writer Daniel A. Gray first learned to canoe 30 years ago in the Boy Scouts. As an Urban Adventures Coordinator, he has led hundreds of participants, most with little previous paddling experience, in trips on the Milwaukee River, and is experienced in providing instruction  for students of all ages and backgrounds, including “at risk” youth  and the disabled. He has been a board member of Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers since 2003 and helped develop the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail. He is also a regular contributor to the Urban Ecology Center newsletter and presenter at its public programs.

Photographer and writer Stephen Gorman uses his rare combination of skills --writing, photography, and wilderness travel expertise-- to portray the spirit of America's land and people. His large-format, color photo-essay books include Thoreau's New England (University Press of New England, 2007), Wild New England (Voyageur Press, 2006), Northeastern Wilds: Journeys of Discovery in the Northern Forest (Appalachian Mountain Club, 2002), and The American Wilderness: Journeys into Distant and Historic Landscapes (Rizzoli-Universe, 1999). Throughout his career Gorman has also worked on assignment for national magazines such as Men's Journal, National Geographic publications, Discovery Channel publications, Sports Illustrated, The Boston Globe Magazine, Sierra, Outside, and Yankee, among others.