Celia Hunter started the Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) in 1980, previously known as the Alaska Conservation Society (ACS). Hunter served on the board of trustees for more than 18 years. She spent her time growing the foundation, inspiring the next generation, and protecting the Alaskan wilderness. Shortly before her death, Hunter said "Change is possible, but you have to put your energy into it. You can’t expect me, I’m past 80, to be the mover and the shaker of this, but people like you are. And you’re going to have to bite the bullet and really decide what kind of world you want to live in."