Daniel Gibson - Program Coordinator

​Raised in the North Valley of Albuquerque, not far from the cool chocolate waters of the Rio Grande, Daniel has his feet sunk deep in the mud of New Mexico. Growing up like a weed—wild and free—his family often headed out on day-long picnics, to their cabin on a remote creek for fishing and meals cooked over a wood stove, or on ski outings. Thus the seeds of an attraction to nature and the outdoors were planted long ago.

​This was further developed when he attended the National Outdoor Leadership School in the Wind River Range of Wyoming at age 15, and fully realized during a 16-month crossing of the Pacific Ocean on a sailboat covering his entire 17th year on Earth.

​Wanting to share his love of the natural realm—from deserts to alpine peaks—and his fascination with the world’s colorful and deeply-rooted cultures led him to a career as a journalist and book author, a profession he’s successfully pursued for some 40 years. These same values now inform and direct his work with the Leopold Writing Program.

​Previous professional positions include serving for 3.5 years as the Public Information Officer for the N.M. Office of Indian Affairs; as editor of Native Peoples magazine for 12.5 years; freelance writing for national and regional magazines, including many conservation and environmental publications; as media coordinator for 3 years for Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety; and author of books including Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: Southwest; Pueblos of the Rio Grande: A Visitor’s Guide; Kevin Red Star: Crow Indian Artist; and Images of America: Skiing in New Mexico.