Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Awards

In 1974, inspirational conservationist and writer Sigurd F. Olson won the John Burroughs Medal for his book, Wilderness Days.

Since 1992, and in the spirit of celebrating Sigurd’s literary legacy, the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute (SOEI) at Northland College has recognized remarkable environmental adult literature that captures the spirit of the human relationship with the natural world, and promotes the values that preserve or restore the land for future generations.

Since 2004, the SOEI has recognized a children's book of literacy nature writing—nonfiction or fiction—that captures the spirit of the human relationship with nature, and promotes the awareness, preservation, appreciation, or restoration of the natural world for future generations.

2009 Winners

The winner of the 2009 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award is:

American Buffalo by Steven Rinella, published by Spiegel & Grau. Click here to read about Steven Rinella's appearance and presentation at Northland College.

The winner of the 2009 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award for Children's Literature is: 

The Blind Faith Hotel by Pamela Todd, published by Simon and Schuster.

Photo Gallery

Karsten Heuer Class 1

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Ways to Support SONWA

If you’d like to support the award, please send your tax-deductable contribution to: SONWA, Attn: Paula Bonk, Northland College, 1411 Ellis Avenue, Ashland, WI 54806. To speak with someone about giving a major gift please contact the Northland College Advancement Office at (715) 682-1211.