Hannah Abebe
For over a decade, The Mountaineers has inspired adventures of all kinds through the BeWild Speaker Series - and this year’s lineup promises to be as unforgettable as ever.
BeWild brings the spirit of the outdoors to the stage, celebrating the stories of those who live and breathe adventure. From trailblazing climbers and long-distance hikers to environmental advocates and wilderness explorers, our speakers share their personal journeys in the wild - stories that are as moving as they are motivating.
Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer, a weekend warrior, or someone who simply loves the natural world, BeWild will leave you energized to seek your own adventures, connect more deeply with nature, and take action to protect the natural places we cherish.
Join us for one evening or immerse yourself in the entire series - either way, you'll walk away with a renewed sense of wonder and spark of inspiration.
Upcoming BeWild Events
Eventually a Sequoia with Jeremy Collins
Join The Mountaineers for a captivating evening with multifaceted artist, climber, adventurer, and Mountaineers Books author Jeremy Collins! In celebration of his upcoming release, Eventually a Sequoia: Stories of Art, Adventure & the Wisdom of Giants, Collins will redefine the boundaries of storytelling with a visceral fusion of performance art, cinematic visuals, and environmental consciousness. He will be joined in conversation by artist/writer/adventurer Tessa Hulls, creator of the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic memoir Feeding Ghosts.
Based on Jeremy’s extensive, art-filled travel journals, Eventually a Sequoia is an inspirational and vivid exploration of the natural world and how it can empower an individual to grow, change, heal, and thrive. Part memoir, part manifesto, Eventually a Sequoia is an invitation for all of us to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and our place in it. On October 27, Jeremy will share a very special interactive, mobile art installation and live storytelling experience that immerses the audience inside of Jeremy’s artist sketchbook. This presentation will be followed by a conversation with Tessa Hulls, time for audience Q&A, and a book signing.
Don’t miss this powerful and immersive multimedia event!
October 27, 2025 from 7-8:30pm
Doors 6:30pm | Program 7pm
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Tickets
- General admission: $15
- Mountaineers member admission: $12
- At the door: $20 (pre-sale closes 10/27 at 12pm)
Foraging & Feasting with Jennifer Hahn and Natalie Hammerquist
Celebrate the flavors of the season with a festive evening of wild foods, holiday inspiration, and culinary creativity. Join renowned foraging experts Jennifer Hahn, author of Pacific Harvest, and Natalie Hammerquist, author of Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest, for a special BeWild Speaker Series event exploring the edible wonders of our region.
From seaweeds and wild berries to tree tips and roots, Jennifer and Natalie will share their deep knowledge of foraging and demonstrate how to transform nature’s gifts into delicious holiday treats. You’ll discover creative ways to prepare wild edibles for gatherings, gift-giving, and everyday enjoyment—while learning about the traditions and ecological connections that make these foods so meaningful.
The evening will feature cooking demonstrations, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration for weaving wild foods into your seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re new to foraging or already love experimenting with nature’s pantry, this event promises to spark your imagination and leave you with new ideas for connecting food, community, and the outdoors.
November 13, 2025
Tickets
- General admission: $30
- Mountaineers member admission: $25
- At the door: $33 (pre-sale closes 11/11 at 12pm)
Past Bewild EVENTS
Photo by Andrea Laughery.
ENOUGH: Climbing the Mountain Within with Melissa Arnot Reid
Join The Mountaineers for an unforgettable evening with world-renowned mountaineer, guide, and author Melissa Arnot Reid as part of our BeWild Speaker Series. In this special event, Melissa will share stories from her newly released memoir, ENOUGH, a raw and powerful reflection on her life both on and off the world’s tallest peaks.
Copies of ENOUGH will be available for purchase and signing by Melissa. The evening will also highlight The Juniper Fund, which Melissa co-founded in 2012 to support and empower families and communities impacted by the loss of Himalayan high-altitude workers.
Whether you're an avid climber or simply someone navigating a challenging season of life, this evening promises to be both inspiring and deeply moving.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most accomplished and insightful voices in the outdoor world!
BeWild Speaker Series | ENOUGH: Climbing the Mountain Within
August 7, 2025 from 7-8:30pm
Doors 6:30pm | Program 7pm
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Tickets
- General admission: $15
- Mountaineers member admission: $12
- At the door: $20 (pre-sale closes 8/7 at 12pm)
Photo by Corey Arnold.
Crisis on Mount Hood: A Century of Courage and the Future of Mountain Safety
Join us June 17 for an unforgettable evening as Christopher Van Tilburg, author of Crisis on Mount Hood, takes the stage with moderator Lowell Skoog. We'll dive into gripping stories of the Hood River Crag Rats (America’s oldest mountain rescue team) and explore the harrowing realities of alpine search and rescue today.
In addition to on-stage conversation, representatives from local Search and Rescue organizations will be tabling at the event, providing a unique opportunity to connect directly with those who perform life-saving work in the backcountry, and learn how you can support their missions - especially in the face of declining federal funding.
This event is sure to educate, inspire, and empower. Come connect with the people who keep our natural places safe, and learn how you can support.
BeWild Speaker Series | Crisis on Mount Hood
June 17, 2025 from 6:30-8:30pm
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Not yet a Mountaineers member? Sign up for a membership to save on Banff, MountainFilm, BeWild, and more! Plus, join a community of outdoor enthusiasts excited to join you on your next adventure.
