Richard “Nels” Nelson lived a full and complete life. He served on the Sitka Conservation Society board for almost 40 years and helped make what this organization what it is today. Nels introduced millions of people to the wonders of the natural world through his knowledge and skills as a naturalist, anthropologist, writer, and radio show host. We are eternally grateful for everything that Nels did and all the ways he influenced us and touched our lives.
We honor Nels in the work we do every day. Nels helped us learn how to use communication and stories to spread and influence conservation values and ideals. Nels taught us to be passionate advocates for peace, justice, and the environment. And Nels gave us the tools through is writing and radio shows to introduce people around the world to the Alaska Wild. We will continue to celebrate and perpetuate Richard Nelson’s work and legacy by spreading his Encounters Radio shows as podcasts, helping get his final film projects finished and released, and protecting the Wilderness of the Tongass that Nels loved and spent so much time in. You can help us do this work by contributing in Nel’s honor to the Sitka Conservation Society’s Living Wilderness Fund.