We met in 2009, while leading trips for Outward Bound in the Sierra Nevada and teaching science at NatureBridge in Yosemite. Guided by our thirst for adventure, our attention for simplicity and minimalism, along with our dedication to be useful, we founded Alpine of the Americas Project.
Edgardo LeBlondI was born and raised in Livingston, MT. As soon as I could walk, my dad had me skiing Bridger Bowl and fly fishing for trout in the Yellowstone River. While earning my Physics degree from the University of Puget Sound, I found real challenges in mountaineering and rock climbing. After a decades as an educator in the wilderness, I came to intimately know the Olympics, Cascades, Sierras, Rockies, and desert southwest. The adventures never cease. When I am not climbing Yosemite Big Walls, I earn my MBA in Sustainable Management at Presidio Graduate School.
Jonathan Byers
I have been exploring the outdoors since my first backpacking trips with my family to Canyonlands National Park when I was four years old. My formal background is in biology, ecology, and geology but my passion lies in sharing the beauty I see in the natural world with other people. I am excited about the personal learning this project involves whether it is learning about glaciers, how to tell stories through video, studying Spanish, or figuring out how to inspire other people to follow our footsteps and contribute their experience to our understanding of alpine climate change.
You too are mighty fine beings, and I appreciate your choice to blend service, science and adventure with the AAP. Wishing you luck and success on your journey. ONE LOVE!