Elliot Nelson
Role
Elliot works with coastal communities and businesses in the Eastern Upper Peninsula to apply science-based knowledge to address Great Lakes, Lake Superior, northern Lake Michigan, and northern Lake Huron issues. His district includes Chippewa, Mackinac, Luce, Schoolcraft, Alger, and Marquette counties.
Elliot’s focus areas include environmental literacy, aquaculture, water and birding trails, and coastal ecosystem restoration.
Education
- M.S. in Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan
- B.S. in Biology, Michigan State University
Professional experience
- Research Assistant, UM Water Center. Helped create the Michigan Water Collaboration Network.
- Program Coordinator, North Huron Birding Trail. Designed trail development plan and interpretive information and coordinated with local partners on completion of trail.
- Science Teacher, Grand River Preparatory High School. Taught 9-12 grade Biology and Environmental Science classes.
- Mentor Teacher, Third 90 Network. Performed environmental science research in Southwest MI with urban high school students and college professors.
- Founding Environmental Educator, Cedar Campus Environmental Stewardship and Tourism Program. Created a now-longstanding program to promote environmental education, ecotourism, and stewardship on a 500-acre camp along the northern shoreline of Lake Huron.

Elliot Nelson
Extension Educator, Eastern Upper Peninsula
Lake Superior State University
100 Salmon Run Way
Office 201D
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Read about Elliot’s work in his article series.