Eric Kraus was born in Toledo, Ohio and raised on a unique 110-acre oasis of woods and water otherwise surrounded by city streets and neighborhoods. His passion for the outdoors blossomed early and has only grown since.
 
Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science and an emphasis in aquatic ecology from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota. Fishing is Eric's first love, and his studies gave him ample opportunity to foster this keen interest. With his canoe a regular fixture atop his truck, Eric teamed with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to compile a teaching collection of more than 50 native fish species for St. John's. His collaboration with the DNR's Section of Fisheries led to a thesis on Minnesota's transition to an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. It also gave Eric direct exposure to more than 50 lakes and 20 rivers around the state.
 
Life experiences have broadened Eric's appreciation for the natural world far beyond bodies of water. He studied ecotourism in Costa Rica and New Zealand. He has camped extensively in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota, the northern plains states, the Pacific Northwest, and even Africa, where he added more than 50 mammals and 230 birds to an ever-expanding "life list." Closer to home, hunting and fishing excursions have prompted exploration throughout the Great Lakes states and Ontario.
 
Eric's professional experience includes seven years in environmental consulting with an emphasis on ecological restoration and land preservation. Professional pursuits have led to valued relationships with such organizations as the American Fisheries Society, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Society for Ecological Restoration, the Maumee RAP (Remedial Action Plan), Toledo Naturalists, and Outdoor Writers of Ohio.
 
Eric volunteers his time and talents as a board member and stewardship chair for The Black Swamp Conservancy, a Perrysburg-based land trust seeking to preserve agriculturally and ecologically significant land in northwest Ohio. Eric, his wife, and their daughter reside along the Maumee River in Waterville, which, not coincidentally, is just a stone's throw from some world-renowned walleye fishing and some respectable smallmouth fishing and waterfowl hunting.

TNR founder Eric Kraus was just as proud of a good day on the water at age two as he is today.

The bluegill on the left was caught in a small lake behind Eric's childhood home just outside of Toledo.

Coincidentally, the two nice Maumee River walleyes on the right were also taken from behind Eric's home, now in Waterville.

 
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