Michael Childers

Michael Childers is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Colorado State University, specializing in modern American West environmental history. His work bridges academia and public engagement, as evidenced by his role as Associate Editor of the Western Historical Quarterly and contributions to media outlets like the New York Times and NPR.

Education: Holds a Master of Arts from Colorado State University (1997), alongside degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Western State College. His research focuses on environmental policy, outdoor recreation tourism, and public lands management, with a particular emphasis on the American West’s transformation into a postindustrial landscape.

Publications and Awards: His first book, Colorado Powder Keg: Ski Resorts and the Environmental Movement (2012), won the International Ski History Association’s Ullr Award and was a Spur Award finalist. He is currently co-authoring an administrative history of the U.S. Forest Service (1960–2020) and writing a second book examining Yosemite National Park’s tourism impacts. Awards include the Colorado Book Award Finalist and National Humanities Center fellowships.

Teaching and Mentorship: Teaches courses on U.S. environmental history, national parks, and historical methods. Advises graduate students in thesis/non-thesis tracks, emphasizing professional internships for skill application. Active in curriculum development through grants like the Geographic Alliance of Iowa/National Geographic initiative.

Research Collaborations: Co-editor of the University of Nebraska’s Environment and Region in the American West series. Serves on the Public and Environmental History Center council and participated in the Yellowstone National Park Stewardship Seminar.