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		Where The Nature Conservancy Works Africa Asia Pacific Caribbean Central America North America   United States South America Coral Reefs Forests Freshwater Ecosystems Great Rivers Islands Marine Ecosystems Rainforests Tropical Forests Nature Preserves Natural Light Photo Feature 2007 Year in Review

Photos of Harold E. Malde See a slideshow of some of Hal's most spectacular photography for the Conservancy. Natural Light See spectacular photography from our archives of the Conservancy's preserves and work!

By Mark Godfrey

It is not unusual today for photographers to dedicate their work towards the documentation of our natural environment. But it was with remarkable foresight that Harold Malde — who died November 4, 2007 at age 84 — volunteered 20 years ago to do just that for The Nature Conservancy.

Since his first visit to a Conservancy prairie site in Minnesota, Hal (as he liked to be known) photographed — at his own expense — more than 650 preserves and drove as many as 14,000 miles per year on the Conservancy’s behalf.

Hal’s first career was as a geologist for the U. S. Geological Survey, which might explain his appreciation and understanding of the landscape. But it was his second career as a photographer that showed us his artistic eye and human commitment toward our environment.

Twenty years, 650 preserves, a quarter-million miles and thousands of photographs later, the Conservancy owes an incalculable debt to a man who contributed his second career to photographing our work.

Harold Malde was more then just a remarkable Conservancy volunteer. He was also a special hero to those of us who have also dedicated our lives to the cause of conservation.

Mark Godrey is The Nature Conservancy's director of photography.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Harold E. Malde (Carrizo Plain National Monumnet, California); Courtesy estate of Harold E. Malde (Harold E. Malde)