Profile by Cecilia Garcia-Linz
Don Wellman is a storyteller with a passion for environmental advocacy and a strong background in video production and editing. He’s eager to contribute these valuable skills to our team on a volunteer basis.
A longtime activist, Don is no stranger to the issues facing Michigan’s waters. His roots run deep in Detroit and his family owns a centennial farm in Benzie County, further fueling his dedication to preserving northern Michigan’s land and water for future generations.
“My dad was a landscape architect – designing parks for the City of Detroit – so I’ve always had an interest and respect for outdoor spaces and how people experience them,” Don explains. “I’ve always been open to some sort of volunteer activity, but I woke up last November 6th with a new determination to make my voice heard.”
Don feels strongly about fighting climate change, which he calls the greatest threat to humans in Michigan. He’s ready to put his 40 years of experience in video production to work, uplifting our cause and the fight for environmental justice.
“We have many paths toward climate action – from Line 5 under the Straits, to Environmental Justice in urban centers. I feel like I can help to tell some of those stories,” he said. “I’m much better with a video camera than I am with a clipboard or a phone list, so I’m hoping to use my ‘storyteller’ to help Sierra Club members tell their stories.”
When he’s not documenting the climate movement, Don enjoys bike riding around Belle Isle or Crystal Lake in Benzie County. We’re thrilled to have Don help amplify our shared mission!
Check out Don’s work at 248 Pencils on Vimeo