Darby Nelson

Aquatic ecologist, biology professor emeritus, and author committed to exploring, preserving, and celebrating Minnesota’s rivers and lakes. "Darby Nelson is a seasoned storyteller and scientist who has immersed himself in [Minnesota's] currents and backwaters." —Tim Palmer

Darby Nelson

About

is an aquatic ecologist and biology professor emeritus at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and an author committed to exploring, preserving, and celebrating Minnesota’s rivers and lakes. In the 1980s, Darby served three terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where one of his most significant accomplishments was legislation creating the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.

Books

For Love of a River: The Minnesota

Growing up in the river town of Morton, Darby Nelson developed a deep taproot of affection that anchored his contagious curiosity about the land and people of the Minnesota River Valley. Now, with an ecologist’s lens and a lifelong appreciation for wild and scenic places, Darby sets out with his wife, Geri, to paddle the river all the way from its source near the Minnesota–South Dakota border to its confluence with the Mississippi in the Twin Cities.

For Love of Lakes

For Love of Lakes weaves a delightful tapestry of history, science, emotion, and poetry for all who love lakes or enjoy nature writing. For Love of Lakes is an affectionate account documenting our species long relationship with lakes—their glacial origins, Thoreau and his environmental message, and the major perceptual shifts and advances in our understanding of lake ecology. This is a necessary and thoughtful book that addresses the stewardship void while providing improved understanding of our most treasured natural feature.

Gallery

Images from lakes and rivers