Craig George MacFarland

Craig MacFarland, PhD, was a key figure in establishing the Center for Protected Area Management and Training at Colorado State University (CSU). With over 50 years of experience working in Latin America, including 20 years living there, he focused on protecting natural areas, managing watersheds, and conserving biodiversity. Much of Craig's work involved training various individuals, including professionals, park rangers, and community leaders, and supporting protected areas and nearby communities. He played a significant role in developing management plans for over 80 protected areas and was instrumental in creating the Protected Area Management Course. Craig also held significant leadership positions, such as director of the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands from 1974 to 1978, director of the Protected Areas and Watersheds program at CATIE in Costa Rica from 1978 to 1985, and president of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands from 1985 to 1996. In 2012, he was recognized as an honorary member of the Charles Darwin Foundation for his invaluable contributions to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, including his groundbreaking studies on giant tortoises and helping support the management plan for the Galapagos National Park. He enjoyed the opportunity to teach and learn from international students during the summer courses at CSU, cherishing the chance to share his passion for conservation. Craig donated to numerous causes, including St. Joseph's Indian School, Amnesty International, the Wounded Warrior Project, the American Indian College Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and numerous wildlife conservation organizations. His love for food and good company was only surpassed by his passion for family and travel. You could count on him to show up with jalapeno poppers to a family gathering or even a full cooler of unique foods when he drove cross-country to visit friends and family. He'd bring a special treat he found at some unique stop along the road. Into his late 70s, he was still road-tripping to visit friends and family and camping along the way to Montana, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington in his sticker-covered car. His adventurous spirit, strong friendships, and family bonds were always evident in his travels and gatherings. If you have ever received a gift from Craig, it was unique, might say quirky, but selected with careful consideration of the receiver. His gifts brought anticipation at family celebrations, as it was known we might receive a handcrafted piece of art or possibly a dancing stuffed flamingo. Craig's unique gifts and personality always brought a smile to our faces, making us feel his individuality and warmth. He had a healthy hate for fascism, and as of late, his loved ones found themselves encouraging less news and more music. His recent hospital stays found him adopting digital streaming, and there was no moment not filled with a good song: a little less fascism, a little more John Prine. Craig looked forward to spending his retirement traveling, gardening, and enjoying time with his family in Washington and Colorado. However, he was suddenly faced with serious health issues. He passed away in home hospice during the early hours of April 19, surrounded by his son and daughter, their spouses, grandchildren, and other loved ones. He asked that we celebrate him with good company and food in place of a memorial service. He wanted his ashes scattered among the tortoises in his beloved Galapagos Islands. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Craig, please visit our floral store.