The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay joined the Waterkeeper Alliance in 2002, hiring John Nelson as their first Baykeeper. As a Navy veteran and a retired public school science teacher, John was trained and ready to advocate for the Grand Traverse Bay and its many tributaries. For over 13 years, he has worked to protect water quality through promotion, education and direct action.
We caught up with John as he prepared to retire from his post as Baykeeper in December 2015. In this video, he explains how the Waterkeeper Alliance got started and what the Baykeeper’s role is in protecting the Grand Traverse Bay. And, looking ahead, John cautions that changes in our climate are posing threats to the water quality of the Bay and its tributaries.