Nancy Washburne, Author, Explorer, Underwater Videographer, Educator and Conservationist at Nanmar International
About
Freshwater Discovery
I'm a strong believer in what I call the Virtuous Circle of Exploration, Education, and Conservation . That's why since 1992, I have dedicated myself to explore and educate people about Freshwater Discovery .
Our planet has been blessed with some of the most spectacular natural resources, and yet, very few people are aware of the magical world that exists only a few inches below their lakes and rivers. We have been blessed with these magnificent resources, and it is our duty to preserve them for future generations in their most pristine form. I want our children to be exposed to this magical world. Once they know it, they will love it; and once they love it they will protect it. I want everyone to discover the enchanting beauty of our world's freshwater natural aquariums and observe nature at its best.
After 20 years of field research, snorkeling over one thousand Michigan inland lakes, dozens of rivers, and taking over 700 hours of underwater video, I will be sharing some of these amazing images on the new video section of my website, snorkelmichigan.com, that eventually will showcase a fascinating array of 49 different species of fish and turtles being themselves in their natural habitats.
I want to encourage people all over the world, to come face-to-face with a multitude of species in their own habitats; fish and turtles galore being themselves in beautiful surroundings. Imagine being able to witness the spawning rituals of several species, observing the miracle of life unfolding right before your eyes. If you can breathe you can snorkel.
The beauty of snorkeling is that it applies to the entire demographic spectrum, starting with the educational benefits for children and young kids, and the fabulous therapeutic and recreational benefits for everyone. Parents are going to love when their kids put their techno gadgets aside for a little while and get up close and personal with nature.
Another fabulous thing is how accessible and inexpensive snorkeling is; the magical scenes like the ones you see in my videos, are coming soon to a lake or river near you.
My work as an underwater videographer was featured during the 30th Anniversary of Our World Underwater, alongside the work of five-time Emmy winning cinematographer and underwater film producer Stan Waterman. It was also featured on the popular Michigan-Out-of Doors TV, on PBS.
I was also asked to present my Michigan underwater videos at the Shedd Aquarium; the Tennessee Aquarium; the 2002 Convention of the North American Native Fishes Association; the Michigan DNR Fisheries Group Symposium; the Illinois Council of Skin and Scuba Divers; the Quiet Water Symposium; the East Lansing Children’s Film Festival; and dozens of Trout Unlimited, Audubon, and Nature Centers all over Michigan.
I hope that my Freshwater Discovery Quest will inspire people all over the world to do the same wherever they are.
Information
- Location: East Lansing, United States
Industry experience
Education: Bachelor
Seniority: Board director, CEO, COO, CFO, President, Provost
Years of experience: 20 years or above
Work experience
Author, Explorer, Underwater Videographer, Educator and Conservationist
Nancy Washburne is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She founded Washburne Travel Center. As a certified scuba diver, her underwater experience includes dives at the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, Truk Lagoon, the Solomon Islands and the New Hebrides.
1991-01-09 - Present
Taxonomy
- Leisure Activities
- Sustainability