What people are saying about Gary
"Gary's keynote at our 2011 "Wings Across the Big Sky" Bird
Festival in Glasgow, Montana, was tremendous -- everyone raved about it! I
had specifically asked him to reference birds in his presentation, and he
did this masterfully. His great passion for wildlife and conservation, and
his keen understanding of the acute need to find more ways to get our youth
outdoors came across throughout his 40-minute presentation. His thoughtful
message was well received by all, and Gary's engaging style motivated lots
of questions from the audience at the conclusion of his talk."
—Steve Hoffman, Executive Director, Montana Audubon
"Gary did a great job. His keynote talk set the tone for the entire conference,
then his workshop was loved by everyone I talked to. He was very giving and
thoughtful with the critiques. Proof that he went the extra mile and then some was
the fact that he came to the student readings. Every year we encourage faculty to
do that and generally no one does. This year we had four faculty members in there.
Gary stayed for the whole thing. We are grateful that he came and we want him to come back."
—Tim Sandlin, Jackson Hole Writers Conference
"Our conference participants especially enjoyed Gary Ferguson's key note address. He's truly an inspirational speaker and beautifully captures the importance and reasons why we are in this business of protecting
America's natural landscapes. He was terrific!"
—Dave Koehler, Executive Director, San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust
"Gary presents a passionate and mesmerizing depiction of the powerful influence of nature on people’s lives."
—Lisa Kiziuk, Willistown Conservation Trust
"Gary's presentation was pitch perfect—couldn't have been better!"
—Danielle Blank, National Parks Conservation Association
"I loved how Gary used poetic, almost musical language. …He created an experience for us. …Gary Ferguson stole the show. Nothing better than a guy who speaks from the heart, not from notes. …Mr. Ferguson really touched the heartstrings. He combined facts with emotion—what we all have to do."
—Comments from the 2009 Land Trust Alliance Rally
"…His keynote was absolutely outstanding—his message was unique, yet it resonated with the entire audience. I heard many participants remark on what an impact Gary made with his keynote, and that he was one of the highlights of the conference. As a speaker, Gary was extremely professional, well prepared, and engaging. Without flashy PowerPoint or slides (or even notes from which to read), he managed to capture and hold the attention of our audience for an hour. Not only that, he also presented ideas that inspired deep reflection and thought that will surely endure long after the conference. Gary's pre-conference workshop also received great praise from those who attended it. In addition, it was truly a joy to have Gary stay throughout the conference. He was so genuinely kind and interested in meeting conference participants, and I know that the opportunity to talk with Gary after his keynote was very meaningful to many attendees."
—Amanda Peterson, Program Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education
"Gary was fabulous. His talk set the stage for the entire event. He is eloquent, inspiring, and so down to earth. His sincerity, candor, and passion opened our hearts and minds and prepared us to share in a much more authentic way for the remainder of the weekend. I am so glad that he came.
—Rob Meltzer, Naropa University Wilderness Conference
"Gary Ferguson has a rare combination of flawless professionalism and radical kindness that takes a good event and makes it great. Reliable, generous, intelligent, talented, so very gifted at weaving together human emotion and the natural world. …he shines from the inside out."
—Pam Houston, Director, Tomales Bay Workshop
"Gary Ferguson is one of the most engaging speakers we've ever presented."
—Greg McGruder, National Geographic Lecture Series
"I've known I wanted to be a writer since I was a kid. Instead of writing, though, for years I studied with writers. I did a desert retreat with one of my favorites and went to writers' conferences in Manhattan and Aspen. I attended one-day workshops and joined online courses. Gary Ferguson is the only author I'd still study with again and again. Many people can write; Gary is a great person. He is authentic, open and genuinely interested in his students. He pays attention. Those are the qualities that make him both a beautiful writer and a wonderful teacher."
—Rebecca L. Self, Ph.D. Franklin College Workshop, Switzerland
"Gary's presentation went especially well. There were rave reviews from all who attended. He's an incredible story teller with enormous energy that fills the room. We appreciated his message and the value he placed on our work here at Weber Pathways."
—Sally Neill, Weber Pathways
"Gary is truly one of the best speakers, writers and friends of the earth and its inhabitants … he reconnects us to our spirit [and] mesmerizes an audience."
—Andy Anderson, National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP)
"We got many, many compliments on you during the show. Your speech was so uplifting and a great way to kick off the Outdoor Retailer show. Great job …"
—Ingrid Niehaus, Lowa Boots USA
"Terrific … relevant and engaging. We are looking forward to having him back!"
—Liz Davis, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
"A true professional, and a most compelling talk … his enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for the written and spoken word is phenomenal. We highly recommend Gary Ferguson for all audiences."
—Cheryl Schwartz, Association for Experiential Education
"Gary was great! I felt like I had known him for years. His easy-going manner, quick wit and soothing voice made for a wonderful accompaniment to the general good feeling of our awards banquet. I simply could not be happier with the upbeat tone to his keynote address and how he left everyone in the organization feeling very reflective on their careers, while also being reassured they were 'doing the right thing.' Thanks again!"
—Steve Eshbaugh, Montana Environmental Education Association
"An excellent keynote address … Gary is a very compelling speaker and has a wonderful presence with large and small groups. I found him very engaging and could tell by the response of the audience that they were all captivated. THANK YOU!!! for all you brought to the 29th Annual AEE International Conference."
—Hendricks Davis, Association for Experiential Education
"Gary had a strong impact not only on the campus but in the community at large, due in part to his public presentations that drew people from miles around. As a teacher, a writer, and a man, Gary gets my highest recommendation."
—Dr. Jim Peterson, Randolph-Macon Woman's College
"In ten years of teaching and countless guest lectures, I have never enjoyed learning about a subject more than I did from Gary Ferguson. His talk was both informative and inspiring!"
—Dr. William Lowry, Washington University, St. Louis
"I offer an enthusiastic recommendation for Gary Ferguson, and encourage you to contact him in regard to a future reading or workshop. His presentation was superb …"
—Corby Skinner, The Writer's Voice
"Gary is an articulate, dare I say mesmerizing, speaker … [he] kept the rapt attention of an audience for two hours. I'd have him back any time!"
—Chantal Seely, Multnomah County Library, Portland, Oregon
"Thank you for your insightful words. We have had very positive feedback regarding your presentation…your speech was a key component to making our conference a quality experience for all who attended!"
—Tom Stuessy, Wilderness Education Association
For more information or to book a speaking event,
please contact Anita Anderson: anita@wildwords.net or 415-309-0939