Legendary Polar Explorer, Educator, and Environmental Ambassador Will Steger packed the Celebration Center at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, on Saturday, October 7. Around 325 people came to hear Steger’s PowerPoint presentation and to ask questions about his adventures and the drastic effects of climate change that he has observed firsthand on the glaciers at both Poles.

Steger has led teams of some of the most significant polar expeditions in history, but told the audience that none of them could be done today, due to a changing climate. Many of his expedition firsts will also go down in history as the last. 

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Steger moved in 1970 to the wilderness north of Ely, Minnesota, where he blended adventure-based environmental education with cutting-edge technology that has allowed him to reach millions of followers and students. In 2013 he began building the Steger Wilderness Center, to which he contributes 100% of his speaking fees.

Steger’s message doesn’t focus on “doom and gloom,” but instead appeals to people’s hearts to help generate the love for our Earth that is needed to help our planet thrive. Facts and data don’t move the heart, Steger says, but wanting a livable world for our grandchildren does. Each of us has a “sphere of influence” in which we can help to make the changes that all of us working together can make.

Looking out at the audience, Steger said, “There is a real sense of community here. I can feel the goodness in the room."

This event was made possible in part by the EcoFaith Network NE-MN Synod.