Our Mission and Purpose
Sigurd Olson devoted his life and writings to preservation of public land and the values of wild places. He found inspiration in the beauty and restorative value of places like the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior. The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame stated, “His philosophy—that by saving wilderness, we ultimately save the human spirit—serves not just as a personal creed but as a guiding regional ethic “.
His evocative writings bring out the importance of spiritual connections to nature, love of place, the power of mystery and wonder, and the ties between conservation of natural resources, human values and good citizenship.
“The greatest achievement of our flight to the moon is the picture of the earth, a living blue -green planet whirling in the dark endless void of space, and the realization that this is home.”
As we struggle with daunting global environmental issues… climate change, loss of bio-diversity and sustainability… the connections between human rights, democratic values, cultural values and conservation are clear. Olson often spoke about “intangible values” as a key to “the good life”. The Institute works to explore these values and support “the good life” for human and non-human entities in our region.
“The conservation of waters, forests, mountains and wildlife are far more than saving terrain. It is the conservation of the human spirit which is the goal, and that is what is meant by the good life…”
The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute was founded at Northland College in 1971 as a key part of their environmental liberal arts emphasis. The Institute serves the Lake Superior region, creating programs to help the region grapple with challenging conservation issues and encourage people to explore their own creative and spiritual connections to nature.
In July 2025, with support from community and dedicated volunteers, the Institute filed articles of incorporation to continue its work and mission and support the environmental liberal arts values that Northland brought to Chequamegon Bay and the Lake Superior region.
His evocative writings bring out the importance of spiritual connections to nature, love of place, the power of mystery and wonder, and the ties between conservation of natural resources, human values and good citizenship.
“The greatest achievement of our flight to the moon is the picture of the earth, a living blue -green planet whirling in the dark endless void of space, and the realization that this is home.”
As we struggle with daunting global environmental issues… climate change, loss of bio-diversity and sustainability… the connections between human rights, democratic values, cultural values and conservation are clear. Olson often spoke about “intangible values” as a key to “the good life”. The Institute works to explore these values and support “the good life” for human and non-human entities in our region.
“The conservation of waters, forests, mountains and wildlife are far more than saving terrain. It is the conservation of the human spirit which is the goal, and that is what is meant by the good life…”
The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute was founded at Northland College in 1971 as a key part of their environmental liberal arts emphasis. The Institute serves the Lake Superior region, creating programs to help the region grapple with challenging conservation issues and encourage people to explore their own creative and spiritual connections to nature.
In July 2025, with support from community and dedicated volunteers, the Institute filed articles of incorporation to continue its work and mission and support the environmental liberal arts values that Northland brought to Chequamegon Bay and the Lake Superior region.
Board Members
Steve Sandstrom- Board Chair
Terry Daulton - Vice Chair
Rocky Barker - Treasurer
Douglas F. Smith - Secretary
Elizabeth Andre
Clair Emmons
Bill Heart
Melanie Michaels
Taylor Pena-Hansen
Mark Peterson
Brandi Shapland
Adrian Wydeven
Terry Daulton - Vice Chair
Rocky Barker - Treasurer
Douglas F. Smith - Secretary
Elizabeth Andre
Clair Emmons
Bill Heart
Melanie Michaels
Taylor Pena-Hansen
Mark Peterson
Brandi Shapland
Adrian Wydeven