WELCOME TO "AVA MOUNTAIN CLASS," WHERE WE’RE ALL ABOUT DISCOVERING THE HIDDEN GEMS OF NATURE—AND SHINING A LIGHT ON THE TRAILBLAZERS WHO HAVEN’T GOTTEN THEIR DUE THANKS TO OUR FUCKED UP SOCIETY. THINK OF IT AS YOUR BACKSTAGE PASS TO THE WILD, WHERE WE DIG INTO THE RARE BEAUTY OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS AND CELEBRATE THE UNSUNG HEROES WHO’VE BEEN QUIETLY REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO EXPLORE.
GET READY TO SEE NATURE—AND HISTORY—IN A WHOLE NEW WAY!

Sophia Danenberg: The First Black Woman to Summit Everest
When we think about the great outdoors, we often picture towering peaks, vast wilderness, and the people who have conquered them. But for too long, those stories have been told from a narrow perspective.

The Unseen Architects of the Forest – How Mycelium Connects Trees
When we think of forests, we often picture towering trees, rustling leaves, and sprawling roots. But beneath our feet lies something just as remarkable—a hidden communication network that keeps the entire ecosystem connected.

The Immortal Jellyfish – Nature’s Ultimate Time Traveler
Unlike most living things, which eventually succumb to aging or disease, the Immortal Jellyfish has an extraordinary ability: it can revert its cells back to an earlier stage of life and start over.

Charles Young – The Buffalo Soldier Who Paved the Way for National Parks
Charles Young’s impact on public lands extends far beyond his time in Sequoia. His advocacy for equality and environmental stewardship paved the way for future generations of Black conservationists, outdoor leaders, and environmentalists.

The Grove
Then, suddenly—The Grove. A left turn, a dirt road, a different life. Where trees stood taller than buildings, where houses sat far enough apart to let you breathe, where the only thing loud at night was the wind through the pines and the crickets at play.

Zeb Powell – The Trailblazer Changing Snowboarding Forever
Powell’s impact isn’t just about what he does on a board—it’s about how he carries himself off it. His infectious positivity, authenticity, and dedication to uplifting others make him more than just an athlete; he’s a role model.

The Vital Role of National Parks in the U.S. Economy and Environment
National parks are more than just picturesque landscapes—they are essential to the nation’s economy, environment, and cultural heritage. By protecting and supporting these treasured spaces, we invest in a healthier planet and a more prosperous future.

Dr. Mae Jemison: The Astronaut Who Reached for the Stars
When Dr. Mae Jemison boarded the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, she made history as the first Black woman to travel to space. But her journey to the stars was just one part of her groundbreaking career.

Sun Candles: When the Sky Catches Fire
When winter’s chill sets in and the air is thick with ice crystals, the sky reveals one of its most breathtaking illusions—Sun Candles.

Ava Mountain Club: My Love Letter to Nature and the Communities That Raised Me
There was something about the silence of nature, the feeling of moss or sand beneath my feet, that reminded me the world was bigger and more beautiful than the struggles I was facing.

George Washington Carver: The Botanist Who Reimagined Agriculture
When we think of George Washington Carver, peanuts often come to mind. But his impact on agriculture, sustainability, and environmental conservation reaches far beyond a single crop.

The Secret Lives of Trees – How Trees Communicate
Studies have shown that trees not only communicate but also exhibit behaviors that suggest cooperation and survival instincts.

The Magical Art of Frost Flowers: Nature’s Frozen Sculptures
Frost flowers are so much more than just ice—they’re a reminder of nature’s power to create beauty, even in the harshest of conditions. These delicate flowers are proof that winter holds more than just cold; it holds potential for extraordinary art.

Breaking Barriers in the Poles: The Extraordinary Journey of Barbara Hillary
Barbara Hillary didn’t just climb mountains or reach icy poles—she reshaped the very idea of what it means to be an explorer.