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SIGURD OLSON
While we are born with curiosity and wonder and our early years full of the adventure they bring, I know such inherent joys are often lost. I also know that, being deep within us, their latent glow can be fanned to flame again by awareness and an open mind.
— Sigurd Olson, Listening Point
Sigurd Ferdinand Olson (1899-1982) was a teacher, philosopher, writer, and conservationist who worked to preserve public lands all across the U.S and Canada. He taught at the Ely high school and junior college until he retired from teaching in 1936, in order to dedicate himself to writing and conservation. Sigurd would write nine books over the course of his career, all poetic essays about the love of land and the betterment of the human condition. He inspired people from all walks of life to get outside and connect with the natural world.
He helped draft the Wilderness Act, which became law in 1964 and established the U.S. wilderness preservation system, and worked to establish large ares of protected land all across the country, from Maine to California. He is known best for his work in Minnesota with the preservation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Sigurd passed away on January 13, 1982 while out snowshoeing with his wife Elizabeth. His work has continued to inspire people long after his passing, and we at the Listening Point Foundation are dedicated to ensuring that every person is able to find some quiet space outside for peace and reflection.
THE LISTENING POINT FOUNDATION
The Listening Point Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Ely, a small town in northern Minnesota on the edge of the wilderness, where Sigurd Olson and his wife Elizabeth lived for several decades.
Founded in 1998 by Sig’s younger son, Robert K. Olson, the foundation was named after Listening Point, the rugged northern Minnesota lake shore property that inspired Sig and became his continued place of connection to the vast wild places he knew and loved so well.
Mission
Listening Point Foundation is dedicated to preserving Listening Point and advancing Sigurd F. Olson's wilderness philosophy.
Vision
Our vision is to foster people's connection to wild places by inspiring them to find their own listening point.
DEI
Everyone has a listening point somewhere.
Meet Freja
Meet Heather
Freja serves as the Executive Director of Listening Point Foundation.
She began her journey with LPF in 2020 as the Program Director and has led over 100 tours and events for members of our community and beyond.
When she’s not out in the woods with her two dogs, you can find her exploring new restaurants and local breweries with her husband or hanging out at home with her 4 cats.
Heather serves as the Operations Manager of Listening Point Foundation.
She joined Freja on the mission to share Sigurd’s wilderness philosophy in early 2024 and is most looking forward to spend more time in the boundary waters.
She owns a candle company in Ely, MN and spends her time hiking in nature with her dog, Minnie, expanding her knowledge of history & exploring nature.
Board of Directors
Sue Duffy
Chris Fink
Kathleen Floberg
Katherine Jenkins
Claudia McBride
Carolyn Sundquist
Bill Tefft
Patsy Mogush, President
Suzie O’Gorman, Vice President
Cori Mattke, Secretary
Alan Brew, Treasurer
