Biography
Raised in the woods and waters of Minnesota and now residing in New England, Tyler Mark Nelson is a community educator, ecotheologian, activist, and artist. Through each lens he traces the contours of ecological relationships, political movements, spiritual traditions, and community responses across the landscapes of our climate-changed world. Woven throughout his interdisciplinary work are themes of wonder, lamentation, resistance, and transformation.
He holds an MDiv in Religion and Ecology from Yale Divinity School and a BA in Theology from Whitworth University. Tyler is grateful for many things: his loving wife, family, and friends; endless genres of music; healthy ecosystems; thirdspaces; all the people who practice ancient and new alternatives to exist within beloved multi-species community.
Current Positions
Program Director of the Living Earth Community, an ongoing knowledge commons launched by the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, where he began as a Research Associate.
Underwriting Contractor at WPKN 89.5FM, building relationships to fund a non-commercial freeform radio station that strengthens local community through music, public affairs, and events. (He’s also a radio DJ.)
Design Team Member with The BTS Center – an inspiring collaborator over the years – now exploring the creative power of public rituals to facilitate resilience-building in the face of the climate emergency.
Artist-Scholar on the side – exploring how creative multidisciplinary spaces can facilitate the processing of climate emotions.