Don Elzer is an independent philosopher and ecologist who develops regenerative strategies for creative’s. He is an active writer, artist, designer, scientist, theorist and futurist. His achievements as an artist expanded when he became known for his work connected to the green creative economy. His work in the fields of community economic development, ecotourism, food security, wildcrafting, biosemiotics and indigenous advocacy influenced community and organizational planning locally, provincially, nationally and globally. He has also become known for his chapbooks and courses that link humans with forms of practical spiritual stewardship, nature-based mindfulness, ancient wisdom and bioregionalism.

Don Elzer’s collective works can be found
at the Wildcraft Forest.


Don Elzer resides with his family in a rural area outside of Lumby, British Columbia which is in the federal constituency of North Okanagan-Shuswap. He was born in Vancouver and raised in North Burnaby, BC and has been actively involved in civic, provincial and federal politics both as an activist and journalist and has recently returned to the Green Party.

Don Elzer is the founder of the Wildcraft Forest and has been a long time environmental activist and a pioneer in “regenerative stewardship”. He is also recognized as being a leader in explaining how “sentience” is found in nature and that our greatest challenge is to capture meaningful methods of making “First Contact” with species and better ideas.

Don Elzer is a community economic development specialist and is best known for his investigative research and ongoing work with rural communities, habitat protection, permaculture and First Nations. With over 35 years of field experience working with small and medium sized enterprises and communities he has acquired key knowledge about current development and stewardship issues impacting our changing planet. As a tourism consultant he developed one of the first eco-tourism strategies in British Columbia, as well as the first creative sector development strategy in the Okanagan Valley. 

His role has been assessing, problem-solving and identifying emerging opportunities and leadership methods within such scenarios as industry closures, First Nations self-government, eroding community infrastructure and impacts due to climate change, so that a more creative and diverse economy and culture can be realized and sustained based on regenerative stewardship.
For more information Don Elzer can be reached by email at: donelzer@uniserve.com

His website is: www.donelzer.com
Meaning and Purpose Create
Exceptional Team Results
A Podcast with Don Elzer

“Leaders like Me” interviews Don Elzer of the Wildcraft Forest School. The interview is titled “Meaning and Purpose Create Exceptional Team Results” and the intro describes Don Elzer as living his meaning and purpose in all aspects of his life. 

This powerful approach has helped him articulate a new way of thinking about how we should live in this world. His wisdom will help you understand the importance of meaning and purpose in creating an irresistible focal point for your team. Prepare to have your worldview challenged…

Some of the gems from this podcast include:
  • The essential element of leadership is meaning and purpose.”
  • Instilling the idea of meaning becomes the anchor for what makes a person.”
  • For a leader, encouraging meaning in people’s lives should be front and center.”
  • Joy becomes the key result of meaning in your work.”
  • When we’ve discovered our meaning and embrace our purpose we are basically unstoppable.”

The Podcast with Don Elzer

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Don Elzer
A specialist in developing regenerative strategies for creative’s.