Background

Michael Runtz is one of Canada’s most highly respected naturalists, nature photographers, and natural history authors. A birdwatcher since the age of five, he has lived, breathed and worked with nature all his life. Professionally, Michael has worked as a naturalist in Canada’s national and provincial parks, and has performed numerous biological surveys, including one on the rare Peregrine Falcon.

A dynamic communicator, Michael Runtz is equally at home in the television or radio studio, lecture hall or classroom. Over 2000 people sign up every year for Michael’s Natural History course. Televised from Carleton University, this is the most popular course of its type in Canada. This popularity arises largely from Michael’s infectious and enthusiastic teaching style, for which he has received excellence in teaching awards from students and peers alike. He is also in great demand as a speaker for groups as diverse as outdoor educators, professional biologists, schoolchildren, and naturalists’ clubs, As well, Michael is a popular guest on numerous television and radio shows, and regularly co-hosts phone-ins on CBC Radio Noon.

Six best-sellers all bear the stamp of author Michael Runtz’s passion, knowledge and stunning photography. Moose Country, Algonquin Seasons, The Explorer’s Guide to Algonquin Park, Beauty and the Beasts: The Hidden World of Wildflowers, Wild Things: The Hidden World of Animals and Wild Wings: The Hidden World of Birds. His seventh book, The Howls of August: Encounters with Algonquin Wolves, chronicles Michael’s intimate experiences with one of the wild’s most elusive inhabitants. In addition to his highly-acclaimed books, Michael’s award-winning photographs and natural history columns grace the pages of a number of Canadian magazines and newspapers.

Michael Runtz is also well-known for his educational and conservation efforts, for which he has received numerous awards, including an Outstanding Service Award from the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. But nowhere else is Michael more in his element than in the natural world itself – howling with the elusive wolf, digging out salamanders from under a rotting log, luring in rutting moose with his skillful calls, or capturing speeding dragonflies with his butterfly net. His intimate familiarity with this world makes Michael the perfect ambassador for nature.