Patricia Hostiuck

Patty Hostiuck has roamed the globe as a naturalist for three decades, seeking out wildlife-rich niches, investigating breathtaking landscapes, and sharing her insights with thoughtful travelers. Her academic background in biology and geography shape a perspective that spotlights the importance of place, the abiding interdependence of living things, and the critical influence of nature on human cultures.  She has served as a National Forest Ranger and National Park Ranger, worked extensively leading eco-travel and expedition trips from the tropics to both polar regions, and has led—on all 7 continents and on all 7 major oceans—over 100 Smithsonian Journeys from A to Z (literally, Antarctica to Zimbabwe). A highly praised leader with impressive field expertise, an astonishing breadth of knowledge, and an avid following, Patty’s passion to untangle nature’s secrets comes across in her engaging presentations, informal commentary, and one-on-one chats. Travelers will benefit from her encyclopedic knowledge, irresistible enthusiasm, spirit of adventure, and sense of fun.  

Carola Stearns

Carola Stearns is a field geologist and geophysicist with over 40 years of experience enthusiastically sharing her fascination with the Earth and how it works.  She earned a Ph.D at the University of Michigan, has worked in exploration for major oil companies, taught at universities, and maintains a research affiliation with the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan.  She has worked with archaeologists on both prehistoric and classical sites around the Mediterranean and in the southwest of the US.  Her diverse research interests include tectonics as well as climatic geomorphology, especially as it relates to human history.  She has lectured as a park ranger at the Grand Canyon, on trips for the UM Alumni Association, and in Ann Arbor training docents for the botanical gardens, arboretum and the public school’s environmental education program.  Currently she works part-time as an interpretive guide in Santa Fe. 

Jim Reynolds

Jim Reynolds is Professor Emeritus of Geology at Brevard College. He received his A.B. in Earth Science and A.M. in Volcanology from Dartmouth College. After working in industry, government, and academia, he returned to Dartmouth for a Ph.D. His research focused on the uplift of the Andes in Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia and Central American volcanism. He is writing a book about the Geology of Iceland. Reynolds was awarded two Fulbright Scholarships to teach at Argentine universities. Jim is an ardent environmentalist and a strong advocate for environmental issues. He is completing his second term on the Board of Directors of the Galapagos Conservancy. As a field‐oriented scientist and educator, Jim is enthusiastic to provide outdoor and hands-on learning experiences.

Wayne Ranney

Wayne Ranney is a geologist and writer who is a veteran of expedition travel, having journeyed to and lectured on all of Earth’s seven continents. He is the recipient of the 2018 American Association of Petroleum Geologists “Geosciences in the Media Award” and has received other national and regional honors for his writing, lectures, blog postings, and expeditionary guiding. His foreign and domestic travels have taken him to South America (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the Amazon), Australia and New Zealand, the Polar regions (Antarctica, Iceland, and Greenland), and desert landscapes in Africa, Asia, the Atacama, and the American Southwest.

With a lifelong interest in the earth sciences, Wayne specializes in making the fascinating story of our planet come alive for fellow travelers. He was elected to the Explorers Club and has visited more than 85 countries. Wayne is a retired professor of geology who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona near his beloved Grand Canyon. He is passionate about sharing his vast knowledge of earth history with others in an easy-going and informal style, yet he is a well-respected author of numerous award-winning books and articles. He enjoys languages, hiking, river running, photography, conversation, and anything that allows him to get outdoors with others in seeing the varied and interesting landscapes of our beautiful planet.