Will Steger facts for kids

Image of Will Steger

Will Steger, born on August 27, 1944, in Richfield, Minnesota, is a famous explorer and environmental speaker. He is known for his amazing dogsled journeys to the coldest parts of the world. Steger has led some of the most important expeditions in history. These include the first confirmed dogsled trip to the North Pole in 1986, without any extra supplies.

In 1988, he completed a 1,600-mile journey across Greenland. This was the longest unsupported dogsled trip at that time. From 1989 to 1990, he led the historic 3,471-mile International Trans-Antarctic Expedition. This was the first dogsled crossing of Antarctica. In 1995, he led the International Arctic Project. This was the first and only dogsled trip across the Arctic Ocean, from Russia to Ellesmere Island in Canada.

Steger shares his experiences to help people understand and protect the Arctic. He has even spoken to the United States Congress about polar regions and environmental issues.

After his successful expeditions, Steger helped start important educational groups. In 1991, he co-founded the Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) at Hamline University. This program reached 15 million students around the world. In 1993, he started the World School for Adventure Learning at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota).

Because he was worried about climate change, Steger created the Will Steger Foundation in 2006. This foundation, now called Climate Generation, teaches people about climate change and helps them find solutions. In 2014, he opened the Steger Wilderness Center. This center is part of his big plan to help keep our planet healthy for everyone in the future.

Amazing Achievements and Awards

Will Steger has received many honors for his incredible explorations and his work in education.

Early Life and Education

Before becoming a famous explorer, Steger was a state champion wrestler. He graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret's School in 1962. He studied geology and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He also has a Master of Arts in education. The University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) gave him an honorary doctorate. He also received honorary doctorates from Westminster College (Utah), Northland College (Wisconsin), and Franklin Pierce University.

Special Recognition for Exploration

In 1995, Steger received a very special award called the John Oliver La Gorce Medal. This award is given by the National Geographic Society. He joined famous explorers like Amelia Earhart, Robert Peary, Roald Amundsen, and Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Steger was honored for his achievements in exploration, science, and for helping people around the world. It was the first time this award was given for all three categories at once. This medal has not been given to anyone since 1995.

Honors for Climate Work

Steger has also been recognized for his efforts to fight climate change. In 2006, he received the Lindbergh Award from the Lindbergh Foundation. He was also part of Governor Tim Pawlenty's Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group in 2006. The Explorers Club gave him the Lowell Thomas Award in 2007. That same year, he received the National Geographic Adventure Lifetime Achievement Award.

Books and Public Speaking

Steger's articles and photographs are famous worldwide, especially in National Geographic. He has written four books: Over the Top of the World, Crossing Antarctica, North to the Pole, and Saving the Earth.

Every year, Steger gives more than 100 talks about his experiences. Between 2006 and 2008, he spoke to over 640,000 people. He especially enjoys talking to business leaders and people who make important decisions. He has spoken to big companies like Goldman Sachs, Target Corporation, and UnitedHealth Group. He also spoke to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Will Steger: Polar Explorer and Educator

Will Steger is known by many titles, including educator, author, photographer, and speaker. But being a polar explorer is perhaps his most famous role. He earned this title through incredibly difficult journeys.

First North Pole Journey

Steger first reached the North Pole in 1986. He led a team of six people, including Paul Schurke, Brent Boddy, Richard Weber, Geoff Carroll, and Ann Bancroft. They traveled by dogsled, showing incredible teamwork and endurance.

Arctic Ocean Crossing

He returned to the Arctic in 1995. This time, he crossed the Arctic Ocean from Russia to Ellesmere Island in Canada. His team of five used dogsleds and special canoes for this challenging journey.

Kayaking Adventures

Besides dogsledding, Steger has also kayaked thousands of miles on northern rivers. These rivers include the Peace, Mackenzie, and Yukon. These trips further show his deep connection to the wilderness and his passion for exploration.