Naturalist, trail runner, Birchlegger: Jim Kelley

From his youth in western Massachusetts to living in northwestern Wisconsin, Jim Kelley probably wouldn't have scripted it this way. But, a chance encounter in Florida led him to move across the country to become a Birkie skier - now a Birchlegger with 27 Birkies under his belt -  who thinks about the Birkie everyday.

Jim is a very accomplished runner with a background in wildlife management and a career working for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. His love for the outdoors began as a high school skier and ski jumper and continues today as he looks for any opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Wisconsin north woods.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

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