Walter Hastings Memorial
Environmental Education Fund
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:
John Mesch, Treasurer
9793 Edgewood Ave.
Traverse City, Mi 49684
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:
Grace Auer
Rosella O'Brien
Geraldine Dickason
Ford Kellum
Patricia Valerie Kinsley
Eric Knutsen
John C. Mesch
Ray Nelson
Cindy Nielsen
Robert Nielson
Lottie Rybarz
William Sharp
Eleanor Stevens
Robert F. Thompson
A.V. Williams