Lione Clare was born and raised in Sitka and fell in love with nature at a young age. Her interest in photography that began at thirteen quickly developed into an avid passion. Lione worked as a newspaper photographer at the Daily Sitka Sentinel when fourteen and fifteen. In 2012, she attended Maine Media Workshops to further develop photographic skills. Following that workshop, she spent some time being mentored in New York City. Lione was selected as one of ten students to receive a 2013 North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) high school scholarship to attend the summit conference and learn from professional photographers. In March 2015, Lione was invited on a two week photo safari in Tanzania. It was an experience that truly confirmed her desire to push towards her dream of becoming an environmental photojournalist.    

Nature photography, and her work with SCS for multiple summers, has inspired Lione to learn more about conservation and the environment, especially in the Tongass National Forest. She is studying resource conservation and climate change studies at the University of Montana, where she’ll be a junior this fall. This summer, Lione has a joint position with SCS and the Forest Service as a wilderness steward and environmental media journalist. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and exploring wherever life takes her, but her adventurous roots will always be dug deep in the Tongass.

Contact Lione at lione@sitkawild.org.