David Catlin was born and raised in Detroit and fell in love with the Great Lakes and their environs while exploring them by foot, sailboat, and canoe. Having listened to his mother’s stories of sailing on the famous SS South American during the pre-WWII heyday of overnight travel on the Lakes, he was delighted when cruise vessels returned to these inland seas in the 1990s and has walked their decks regularly since then.

On shore, David has spent his professional career helping people connect to nature. Over the last 45 years, he has worked as a naturalist and educator for the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the National Audubon Society. His interests include birds, ships, and off-the-beaten path destinations.

David holds a degree in natural resources and environmental education from Michigan State University and a masters in outdoor recreation and Interpretation from the University of Washington. He currently lives in Springfield, Missouri, with his wife Ann, and works nationwide as a consultant to nature centers and other environmental learning institutions.

Language spoken : English