Carl R. Eklund

Who is Carl R. Eklund?

Carl R. Eklund was a leading American specialist in ornithology and geographic research in both the north and south polar regions.

From 1939-41 he served as ornithologist at the East Base of the U.S. Antarctic Service. This was the first modern US. Government-sponsored expedition to Antarctica, and the third of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Antarctic commands. In addition to his collection of animal life for the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Eklund made one of the longest Antarctic dog sled journeys in history, accompanying Finn Ronne. Islands sighted near the turning point of this journey were named the Eklund Islands in his honour by the Board of Geographical Names.

He was appointed as the first Scientific Station Leader of the Wilkes Station, Antarctica.

He received his Ph.D.in zoology and geography from the University of Maryland, and his B.A. from Carleton College. He was a native of Tomahawk, Wisconsin and graduated from Tomahawk High School.