Dana grew up in the foothills of western Massachusetts surrounded by woods. An early interest in bird watching led him to an undergraduate degree in zoology. This was followed by a medical degree and 41 years of medical practice in Pennsylvania, Ohio and finally Maine for the last 24 years. He is now retired with three grandchildren and five great grandchildren that keep him young. He has a large vegetable garden and grows flowers and native plants in his yard. He enjoys walking in the woods with his two dogs and helping to lead bird watching trips for Stanton bird club. He is president of the Taylor Pond Association and has served on the financial committee for Androscoggin Land Trust for over 20 years.