Will Steger facts for kids
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Will Steger (born August 27, 1944, in Richfield, Minnesota) is a well-known explorer. He is famous for leading incredible dogsled expeditions in the coldest parts of the world. Will Steger also works hard to help people understand and protect the Arctic.
Some of his most amazing journeys include:
- The first confirmed dogsled trip to the North Pole in 1986. He did this without getting new supplies!
- A 1,600-mile journey across Greenland in 1988. This was the longest unsupported dogsled trip at that time.
- The historic 3,471-mile International Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1989–90. This was the first dogsled trip across Antarctica.
- The International Arctic Project in 1995. This was the first and only dogsled journey across the Arctic Ocean, going from Russia to Ellesmere Island in Canada.
Because of his experiences, Will Steger has been asked to speak to government leaders. He shares what he has learned about the Polar Regions and environmental issues.
Steger also started several important organizations. In 1991, he helped create the Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) at Hamline University. This program taught 15 million students worldwide! In 1993, he started the World School for Adventure Learning. Later, in 2006, he founded the Will Steger Foundation (now called Climate Generation). This group teaches people about climate change and how to find solutions. In 2014, he opened the Steger Wilderness Center. This center is part of his big plan to keep our planet healthy for future generations.
Amazing Achievements
Will Steger has achieved many great things. He was a state champion wrestler in high school. He also earned degrees in geology and education. Several universities have given him special honorary doctorates.
In 1995, Steger received a very special award called the John Oliver La Gorce Medal. This award is given by the National Geographic Society for amazing work in exploration, science, and helping people around the world. Will Steger was honored for all three! He joined other famous explorers like Amelia Earhart and Jacques-Yves Cousteau in receiving this rare award.
He has also received many other honors for his record-setting explorations and educational work. These include:
- The Explorers Club Finne Ronne Memorial Award in 1997.
- Being the first Explorer-in-Residence for the National Geographic Society in 1996.
- The Lindbergh Foundation's Lindbergh Award in 2006 for his efforts against climate change.
- The Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award in 2007.
- The National Geographic Adventure Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Will Steger's articles and photographs are known worldwide, especially in National Geographic magazine. He has written four books: Over the Top of the World, Crossing Antarctica, North to the Pole, and Saving the Earth.
Each year, Steger gives many talks about his experiences. Between 2006 and 2008, he spoke to over 640,000 people! He especially enjoys talking to business leaders and lawmakers about protecting our planet.
Life as an Explorer
Will Steger has many roles: teacher, author, photographer, and speaker. But being a polar explorer is perhaps what he is best known for. He worked incredibly hard to earn this title.
Steger first reached the North Pole in 1986. He led a team of six people, including Ann Bancroft, using dogsleds. He went back to the Arctic in 1995. This time, he crossed the Arctic Ocean from Russia to Ellesmere Island, Canada, with a team of five. They used dogsleds and special canoes.
Besides dogsledding, Steger has also traveled thousands of miles by kayak on northern rivers. These rivers include the Peace, Mackenzie, and Yukon.
