Mary Lundeberg is a respected conservation photographer and writer with an affinity for the natural world. Her thought-provoking images and books reflect her deep regard for the beauty and importance of wildlife, and the habitat essential for its survival. “My goal as a photographer is to create appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our planet. Especially water ecosystems such as Florida’s estuaries which protect many species of birds and marine life,” she explained.
Mary grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana with a degree in English. Her additional studies led to a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Mary retired and moved to Englewood in 2012 following a 23-year career as an educator. Her final position was head of the education department at Michigan State University.
Her adventures as a photographer began with the gift of a Canon DSLR camera from her husband, Bill. “I’ve always loved nature so exploring area parks, preserves and waterways with my camera was a natural progression,” she added.
Mary created and co-manages a bird steward program at Stump Park Beach State Park to protect nesting Wilson’s Plovers and Least Terns. She recently won a grant from the North American Nature Photography Association to help local teachers educate students about beach-nesting birds.
Mary has taken photos of wildlife species around the world. That includes excursions to Kenya (cape buffalo), Norway (polar bears), India (tigers), The Falkland Islands, and even Antarctica (seals and penguins). She’s written multiple books and articles about the importance of nature and wildlife. Her book A Tale of a Tern explains the lifecycle of these petite shorebirds and the challenges they face from humans, unleashed dogs, and natural predators.
Mary is on the board with the Friends of Stump Pass Park, and she’s a member of the Peace Myakka Waterkeeper, the North America Nature Photography Association, the Englewood Camera Club, and the Florida Camera Club Council.
See more of Mary’s beautiful photos at MaryLundeberg.com. Photo of Mary by Deirdre Christman.
