Meet the Pre-Orientation Wilderness Adventure Program Staff

Program Director Doug Carty

  • Doug Carty, Pre-Orientation Wilderness Advernture Program DirectorAssociate Degree of Applied Science in Adventuresports, May 2001
  • Bachelor’s Degree, General Studies, May 2006
  • Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, Franklin Pierce  University, August 2001- July 2002
  • Director of Campus Recreation, Franklin Pierce  University, July 2002- Present
  • Pre-Orientation Wilderness Adventure Program Director, January 2009- Present

Favorite Outdoor Activity: “I’d call it a three way split between kayaking, rock climbing and sailing”

What you like to do outdoors at Franklin Pierce? “Exploring the trail systems is always an adventure- you never know what you’ll find out there.”

Favorite Backcountry Meal: “I’ve never been much of a cook and sometimes it’s the ease in making the meal that matters most after a long hike/paddle/bike ride.  So, although not the healthiest choice- I crack open a few Ramen noodle packages…”

Most interesting non-domestic animal spotted while out in the woods: “I was hiking through the woods near my parent’s house with my yellow lab when I came into an overgrown field.  The saplings ahead were grouped in a circle shape.  When I approached a bull moose stood up right in front of me.  He had been keeping to the shade in the middle of all the saplings.  Thankfully my dog spooked him by barking otherwise I was sure I was going to end up with hooves imprinted on my chest.  There was the time I bumped into a 300 pound black bear while hiking the Franklin Pierce trail system- but the moose was frightful because he just only three feet in front of me and two feet taller.”

Favorite quote: “I am the Lizard King, I can do anything.” -Jim Morrison

Student Guides

tony

Tony Albin

  • Major in Sports and Recreation Management, Minor in Philosophy, Class of 2013
  • 2010, 2011, 2012 Pre-Orientation Trip Leader
  • 2011-2013 Adventure Recreation Program Student Coordinator
  • 2012 National Outdoor Leadership School Graduate (www.NOLS.edu)


Favorite Outdoor Activity: Rock climbing without a doubt.

What you like to do outdoors at Franklin Pierce: I like to go snowshoeing/hiking, trail running, mountain biking, kayaking/sailing on Pearly Pond, slacklining, and playing rugby.

Favorite backcountry meal: My favorite meal would have to be chicken quesadillas because they’re wicked good, and they’re great to eat the first night because they’re easy to make and the next day, your pack is noticeably lighter.

Most interesting non-domestic animal spotted while out in the woods: I was working with the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) a few years back, doing trail maintenance in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, and I was hiking from one base camp to the next. I was moving at a pretty good pace when I turned around a sharp corner, and right there staring me in the face was a 150 lb black bear. I stopped dead in my tracks, and slowly backed behind the corner out of its sight, and stood there holding my breath. The bear peeked his head around the corner and looked right at me, then slowly started to walk in my direction. After giving a few sniffs in my direction, he sensed I wasn’t a threat, and walked right on passed me, nearly brushing my leg as he walked by. I took a few pictures, and let out a great sigh of relief. Definitely one of the craziest wildlife encounters I’ve ever had.

Favorite quote: “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.“ ~E E Cummings

 

BradBrad Arena

  • Criminal Justice Major, Sociology Minor, Class of 2014
  • 2010 Pre-orientation Wilderness Adventure participant, 1st mountain biking trip in program history.
  • 2011 Pre-Orientation Trip Leader- led mountain bike and kayak trips
  • 2012 Pre-Orientation Trip Leader


Favorite Outdoor Activity: Definitely rock climbing and motocross

What you like to do outdoors at Franklin Pierce: I enjoy mountain biking through the trail systems on campus, playing ultimate frisbee, kayaking on Pearly Pond, and hiking in the woods.

Favorite backcountry meal: I love pasta with cheese sauce, even though it takes a while to cook it is definitely worth the wait!

Most interesting non-domestic animal spotted while out in the woods: I was out riding my dirt bike through the woods of Ames Nowell State Park in MA with my friends. As we stopped to take a break I heard something rustle in the bushes nearby. We all looked up and saw two full-grown coyotes slowly walk out. As we sat there motionless two more animals stumbled out and they just happen to be two baby coyotes as well. Our eyes met for a few seconds but it felt like forever. The male realized we were not a threat to him or his family, so they turned around and walked back into the woods. I have only seen a few coyotes in my life and from previous wildlife knowledge I knew not to mess with a mother and her pups..

Favorite quote: "What you ignore today, might be gone tomorrow" –Brad Arena



HayleyHayley Brown

  • Biology Major, class of 2013
  • 2011 Pre-Orientation Wilderness Adventure Participant
  • 2012 Pre-Orientation Trip Leader

Favorite Outdoor Activity: Definitely kayaking.

What you like to do outdoors at Franklin Pierce: I enjoy kayaking on Pearly Pond, running the Mountain Road loop around campus, and participating in some of the Adventure Rec. trips.

Favorite backcountry meal: I really like refried beans and cheese in a wrap. It's easy to make, and tastes awesome.

Most interesting non-domestic animal spotted while out in the woods: While working at Camp Leslie (Georgetown, MA) last summer, I was out kayaking with some of my campers. We took a break, and as I looked over the side of my kayak, this 3-foot-long snapping turtle (properly named Jaws by previous campers) swam right underneath me. He popped his head up, and then dove back down. I was so nervous, I thought it would possibly tip my kayak, or one of my campers' kayak. I have never seen an animal so large and up-close before; it was ridiculous.

Favorite quote: "What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

benBen DiLauro

  • Environmental Science and Biology Major, Class of 2013
  • 2011, 2012 Pre-Orientation Trip Leader
  • 2011-2013 Adventure Recreation Program Student Coordinator


Favorite Outdoor Activity:Probably a tie between skiing and rock climbing.

What you like to do outdoors at Franklin Pierce: Anything and everything; hiking and observing wildlife on the trails, snowshoeing, kayaking or swimming in Pearly, tree climbing, hitting the terrain park on the Manor lawn, mountain biking, slacklining, or anything that Adventure Rec. might be up to.

Favorite backcountry meal: I haven't been on any trips since becoming a vegetarian, but give me an MRE and I'll be all set.

Most interesting non-domestic animal spotted while out in the woods: While hiking a few years back in Franconia Notch I saw two moose (a mother and her calf) around sunset standing in Lonesome Lake. Seeing them from a car window on the side of the road is one thing, but seeing them away from civilization is completely different. It was a great experience, but mainly because they were a good 200 yards away.

Favorite quote:“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” - Hunter S. Thompson