DURHAM, NH – Climb a mountain, paddle down a river, take a sail on a schooner and explore an offshore island – all from the comfort and safety of your own home. Cold temperatures and an ongoing global pandemic are prompting many New Englanders to hunker down at home this winter. Bring the outdoors in through the magic of public television, with NHPBS’ award-winning WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE program.
The NHPBS favorite launches its 17th season on Wednesday, February 2, featuring five new episodes. Viewers can enjoy the program on-air via NHPBS Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. or they can watch episodes on their own time online. NHPBS Members have the option to enjoy binge-watching all five shows on NHPBS Passport starting on February 1.
“We are proud to bring NHPBS viewers another season of inspired storytelling, filmed safely and effectively during pandemic conditions,” said Peter A. Frid, President & CEO of NHPBS. “We know NHPBS viewers — like many New Englanders — are keen outdoor enthusiasts. The return of host Willem Lange and his crew with another season of wonder inspired by the wild is the perfect winter escape.”
The new season will ultimately feature ten, 30-minute episodes, with the initial five episodes launching in February and five more dropping in March. In all episodes, Lange’s approachable and authentic style invites guests to share their stories and provides a warm and welcoming presence for viewers. Guests from all walks of life —
from naturalists to community activists to guides and historians - enhance each program and provide context and color.
For the initial slate of episodes, program topics will include:
“Well into its second decade, WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE continues to produce fresh, immersive storytelling that surfaces stories and looks at relevant contemporary societal issues through the lens of the outdoors,” said Dawn DeAngelis, Vice President & Chief Content Officer at NHPBS. “This year’s season extends that premise, all cloaked in the warm and witty demeanor of our beloved host, Willem Lange, and his familiar dog Kiki. Now, we are looking forward to extending Willem’s voice through another platform – podcasting!”
In partnership with the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication at Franklin Pierce University, NHPBS is creating a spoken-word podcast encompassing stories and essays from Lange’s most recent book “Words from the Wild,” and from his weekly column Yankee Notebook. Fans of the broadcast will now have another option to hear Lange’s wisdom from decades as an outdoor enthusiast, via these short audio episodes. The podcast, WORDS FROM THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE, will be available starting February 1. Listeners can download the podcast at nhpbs.org/windows, or wherever they get their podcasts.
In addition to developing the podcast, for both Lange and the program’s executive producer, Phil Vaughn, the time off-air was a time for personal accolades. Both were recently honored for their commitment to public communications and media.
In October 2021, the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication at Franklin Pierce University presented Lange with a Fitzwater Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication, one of four recipients honored for demonstrating “a commitment to using the power of collaboration to ensure the health of our democracy.” In December, the Boston/New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced that executive producer Phil Vaughan was one of five 2021 inductees selected for the prestigious Gold & Silver Circle Awards. The Silver Circle Awards honor veteran television professionals who have contributed more than 25 years of service to the industry. Vaughn was honored for his work on WINDOWS TO THE WILD, as well as other NHPBS productions and long-form documentaries.
WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE – SEASON 17:
Video Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwXEVlxjWR8
PROGRAM GUIDE
EPISODE 1 – WOOD ISLAND LIFE SAVING STATION
Initial Broadcast date: Wednesday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Visit an island just off Kittery, Maine and learn about efforts to preserve its history.From 1908 to 1940, surfmen posted at Wood Island’s Life Saving Station launched 62 sea rescues, saving 255 lives. Learn about civilian and military efforts to restore the station and shine a light on its history for today and future generations. Guests will include representatives from the Wood Island Life Saving Station Association, the U.S. Coast Guard station at Portsmouth Harbor, and The Maniacal Traveler, Diane Fallon.
Video Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYxOoXWUIFA
EPISODE 2 – SUMMITS IN SOLIDARITY
Initial Broadcast date: Wednesday, February 9
Take a hike on an ancient trail above Alton Bay, NH with Summits in Solidarity. Co-founder Serena Ryan shares more about how the group was formed in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and the wider social justice conversation taking place in our country. Guests will include representatives from NH PANTHER (Plymouth Area Network to Help End Racism), the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People, NH Audubon, and hikers from underserved communities, who share their stories and perspectives on accessing the outdoors as Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
EPISODE 3 – PADDLING THE SACO
Initial Broadcast Date: Wednesday, February 16
In this episode, photographer Joe Klementovich and Mike Morin undertake a six-day paddle boarding excursion to explore 130 miles of the Saco River. The pair carry all the essentials – food, tent and shelter, first aid and repair supplies, and camera equipment – on their paddleboards. Starting in the mountains near Bartlett, NH, the two friends travel through agricultural lands, meandering rivers and eventually end up in the estuary that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. Willem and the team meet up to hear the paddleboarders’ observations about what their journey taught them about local history, conservation, and our connections to nature and Native peoples.
EPISODE 4 – SECTIONAL HIKER
Initial Broadcast Date: Wednesday, February 23
For the hundreds of hikers who hit the Appalachian Trail each year, thru-hiking the length of the 2100-mile trail that runs from Georgia to Maine is perceived as the ultimate AT experience. But what about another way? In this episode, Willem and the crew meet Debby Roberts, a 71-year-old “sectional hiker” who has been hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail for 30 years, with the goal to hike every section. Willem joins Debby and her professional guide for a day of hiking, and a night camping, in the mountains of western Maine.
EPISODE 5 – SCHOOL AT SEA
Initial Broadcast Date: Wednesday, March 2
Set sail with students, chaperones, and crew members for a unique educational experience aboard the 1960s-era schooner, Shenandoah. Departing off Martha’s Vineyard with a group of 30 sixth-graders, Willem learns about a program that lets students spend a week aboard the boat learning new skills, working as teammates, and growing in a novel, electronics-free environment. Students build life skills and benefit from a one-of-a-kind memorable experience.
HOW TO WATCH WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE
NHPBS Passport (On-demand)
Viewers can watch WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE and other NHPBS programming anytime, online and on their schedules via the NHPBS Passport. Passport provides members with extended access to a comprehensive library of quality public television programming. Sign-up is a simple three-step process. Passport is available on most devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, iPhone, iPad, and Android.
Broadcast
WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., on your local NHPBS channel.
Podcast:
Download Willem Lange’s new podcast WORDS FROM THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE at nhpbs.org/windows, starting on February 1 or wherever you download your podcasts.
WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE is generously supported by the Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust, Bailey Charitable Foundation, The McInich Foundation, The Fuller Foundation, Inc., The Gilbert Verney Foundation.
UPCOMING EVENT - Sunday, October 6, 2024 - Trail Mixer 2024 Windows to the Wild Event
WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE is generously supported by the Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust and the Bailey Charitable Foundation
Willem Lange’s wardrobe is generously donated by The Kittery Trading Post
Fifty years ago, a group of citizens stopped the development of an oil refinery.
Watch More Cure Your Cabin Fever with Season 17 of Windows to the Wild with Willem Lange
Listen on your favorite podcast platform
Thanks to our podcast partner: The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication at Franklin Pierce University
Adventure journalist Freddie Wilkinson and a group of indigenous paddlers set out.
We rejoin adventure journalist Freddie Wilkinson and a group of indigenous paddlers.
A team of researchers study the effects of human interactions with Canada Jays.
Myah Rather is a Meteorology and Atmospheric Science student from Maryland.
Joe Klementovich travels along Maine's rivers on a paddleboard.
Marshall Hudson writes stories about interesting and often forgotten places and people.
Scarlett, also known as "Little Foot" has hiked all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000 footers.
Mirna Valerio does it all. She runs, hikes and skis. She encourages others, no matter who they are.
Willem Lange and a group of New England travelers explore the beauty and culture of France.
The Gulf of Maine offshore wind farm could become New England's next source of renewable energy.
Elevate Youth empowers youth to explore the outdoors and promotes environmental stewardship.
Gregory Rec and his daughter Corrina love hiking together.
As an NHPBS member, you'll be among the first to experience it.
Randy Pierce lost his sight in 2000, but not his determination to keep hiking.
Dogtown, part of the forgotten forests of Cape Ann, Mass.
Wildlife videographer Alfred Balch heads into the woods with Willem.
Find out what attracts our feathered friends to this special spot.
Host Willem Lange takes viewers on a ride along the Scenic RailRiders track in Concord, NH.
A North Conway, NH family shares what they learned about the effects of climate change.
Willem and Wendy Lull explore and discuss ways to record and preserve life on the coast.
Willem goes looking for moose with long-time moose researcher Charles Willey in Colebrook.
A trip along Vermont's Long Trail.
Join host Willem Lange on a tour of a Cambridge oasis -- the Mount Auburn Cemetery.
A North Conway family shares what they learned about the effects of climate change.
Willem and a group of people from throughout New England took a trip through Ireland.
What do you do with a section of 170-year-old abandoned railroad track?
Melissa Elam has hiked all of NH's 4,000-foot mountains with her cat, Floki.
Gabriel Andrus will ski from the northern border of NH to its southern border this winter.
There are gems in the hills. Host Willem Lange learns there's a lot to rock hunting.
Arlette Laan is the first woman to hike all eleven of the National Scenic Trails.
Kayaker Betsy Wish set out years ago to meet the people who catch our lobsters.
Host Willem Lange is at sea on the American Eagle schooner.
The Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve is considered an ecological gem.
WINDOWS TO THE WILD's good friend and Outdoor Enthusiast, Chaya Harris from Outdoor Afro.
Getting outdoors is important but its also important to be safe.
Competitive rower Erik Frid takes a break from competition to row 300 miles.
Susie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education.
Mt. Eustis Ski Hill opened in 1939 and was a community gathering place until it closed.
New Hampshire resident Susan Dromey Heeter is competitive.
David Krueger is a Language Specialist / Interpreter, you may have seen him.
Redline guide Ken Hodges hikes with Debby "Bear Repellent" Roberts.
Willem hikes with partners and participants of Summits in Solidarity.
The Lifesaving Station at Wood Island was used for sea rescue prior to the Coast Guard.
The Lifesaving Station at Wood Island was used for sea rescue prior to the Coast Guard.
Conway photographer Joe Klementovich uses a paddleboard to explore 130 miles of the Saco.
Students attend school aboard a schooner.
Join us for an all new season of Windows to the Wild with Willem Lange! Wednesdays at 7:30
Host Willem Lange is with friends on the Tucker Mountain trail in Vermont.