Walter Hastings Memorial
Environmental Education Fund

Photo courtesy of Interlochen Center for the Arts  

Walter Hastings was a naturalist, photographer, and lecturer.  He was Michigan’s first conservation film-maker, both movies and stills.  He taught at Leelanau Schools and at the Music Camp, where he established a museum.  When our Audubon club was formed, it was first named Walter Hastings Audubon Club to honor him.  Many who formed the club in 1957 knew him and wanted to honor him after his death.

When the name was changed to Grand Traverse Audubon Club in 1995, it was decided to create a fund for environmental and educational needs and to name the fund after Walter Hastings.

The fund accepts memorial donations and monetary gifts, which may be sent to the treasurer.  Sorry, memorial  donations are not tax deductible.  Checks can be made to  Grand Traverse Audubon Club  and mailed to:

Kathie Wiley, Treasurer GTAC
1513 N Orchard Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686

The board determines the distribution of this fund for environmental or educational purposes within the club or for club support of such purposes by outside organizations.  By supporting such worthy causes, we hope to honor not only the name of Walter Hastings, but also those who have been honored by memorials.

 Following is a list of those honored by memorial contributions:

Betty Green

Grace Auer

Ken Beerthuis

Lowell Zentz

Rosella O’Brien

Geraldine Dickason

George Hutchinson

Ford Kellum

Patricia Valerie Kinsley

Eric Knutsen

John C. Mesch

Ray Nelson

Cindy Nielsen

Robert Nielson

Lottie Rybarz