The Perfect Partnership
Papa Bear Adventures is proud to be a partner of Science on the Fly. Founded in 2019 by Max Holmes (Senior Scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center) and Johnny Le Coq (founder and owner of Fishpond), Science on the Fly unites anglers and scientists to study, protect, and restore rivers.
Science on the Fly investigates trends in water quality in rivers around the country - and eventually around the world. They have a particular interest in the rivers that Papa Bear Adventures flies to, which are at the southern boundary of Arctic permafrost. By analyzing water quality samples from our rivers, Science on the Fly will help us understand how our rivers are changing, which is essential for figuring out how to protect them. You can help by volunteering to collect water samples during your float trip. The process is quite easy: by collecting 1-2 water samples per day – which takes about 10 minutes – you can help Science on the Fly track the health of our amazing rivers. To volunteer, please visit the Science on the Fly website and complete this form. You can also contact Max Holmes (rmholmes@woodwellclimate.org) or Papa Bear Adventures for more information.
Current Map of Sample Locations
Max Holmes
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Perhaps Heteroclitus wasn’t thinking about the chemistry of rivers when he wrote this almost 2500 years ago, but that is where my mind goes when I read it. By my way of thinking, the chemistry of a river tells a story, but that story is only ever known if the samples are collected that allow the story to be heard.
Why is this so important?
Look at the picture to the right. This is why the data and research is so important. If there is something that we can do, even at just an individual level, we need to know. PBA owners and employees fully support SOTF and look forward to working together and keeping our rivers healthy.