Women in the

Environment

Educational materials and resources that focus on the

contribution women have made to the study and protection
of our environment from the past to the present.
 The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s, DEEP,
mission is conserving, protecting, and improving the natural resources
and environment of our state. DEEP is responsible for monitoring and
regulating water, air, and land pollution in order to protect the health,
safety, and welfare of the people of Connecticut and to preserve and
enhance the quality of life for future generations. By looking at the past
we can plan for the future.

This activity packet provides you with the tools and information to
research advances women have made in environmental sciences and the
roles they have played as leaders. The early stigma of women not being
able to master sciences has lasted well into the 20th century. However,
there were early pioneers researching, recording and physically advancing
the natural sciences and the role of conservation and environmental
health. Today, women are found in all areas of study from the field to the
laboratory. They are involved in policy making, education and
enforcement throughout the world. This packet is a starting point for all
students to investigate the past, present and future roles women play in
the protection and understanding of our natural resources and serve as
role models for future generations.

Thank you for your interest in our programs. If you have any questions or
wish for more information about educational workshops, events, or
programs please contact us at DEEP’s
Kellogg Environmental Center
http://www.ct.gov/dep/kellogg
P.O. Box 435
Derby, CT 06814
(203)734-2513.
Table of Contents
Activity 1: Pre-assessment Questionnaire………………… page 4
Activity 2: Bulletin Board/Reports and Research………… page 6
Activity 3: Crossword Evaluation………………………… page 8
Bulletin Board Display; Photos and Biographies…………. page 10
Resources and Reference…………………………………. page 28

Credits
This publication was made possible through the help and support of the following
individuals, agencies, and organizations:
Connecticut Audubon Society Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association
Communications Office 1700 Hawk Mountain Road
2325 Burr Street Kempton, PA 19529
Fairfield, CT 06430
Rachel Carson History Project
Cornell University Shirley Briggs
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections 7605 Honeywell Lane
Carl A. Kroch Library Bethesda, MD 20814
Ithaca, NY 14853
Rachel Carson Council, Inc.
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 8940 Jones Mill Road
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Kellogg Environmental Center
500 Hawthorne Avenue P.O. Box 435 Resource Guide produced by Susan C. Quincy,
Derby, CT 06418 DEEP
Research and production assistance provided by:
Friends of the Everglades Robert Bjelland, DEEP
7800 Red Road, Suite 215-K Sara Blersch, DEEP
Miami, FL 33143 Caryn Furbush, DEEP
Rebecca Gelernter, DEEP
Keith Syrett, DEEP
Staff of the Kellogg Environmental Center

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer,
providing programs and services in a fair and impartial manner. In conformance with the Americans with Dis-
abilities Act, the DEEP makes every effort to provide equally effective services for persons with disabilities. Indi-
viduals with disabilities needing auxiliary aids or services for Kellogg programs should call (202) 734-2513, or for
more information on DEEP by voice or TTY/TDD, call (860) 424-3000.
 Activity 1: Pre-assessment Questionnaire

PROCEDURE
Supply each student with a questionnaire sheet to complete before they start any of
their research and before you put up the bulletin board. This is to see what they
know and how they feel about women in environmental positions. Have students
complete the questionnaire for homework and use it as a discussion tool.

Class Discussion
1. Select a student to be the recorder for the class. The recorder will compile
names listed by the class for the first and second questions from the
questionnaire on the board. You may need to start them off with an example.
2. For the remaining questions, allow the class to have an open discussion of
their findings and opinions. The student recorder will write down general ideas
or feelings that the class verbalizes. Follow up the discussion of questions three
and four with an outline of how to gather more information and collect
additional names. This will help you set the format for conducting research.
While discussing this question, ask the class to express any feelings they may
have on their findings. This will be the focal point of review when research and
presentations are finished or when the time line is completed.
3. Discuss answers for questions five and six and record the students’
responses.
4. Have the student recorder transfer the answers from the board to a final
document. This will be used for the evaluation process following research to
see if any preconceived opinions have changed.
 Pre-assessment Questionnaire

Student Name_______________________________

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability. This is to see what you already know
about the topic of study, Women in the Environment. There are no right or wrong answers.

1. List the names of men, first and last name, if possible, who have contributed to environmental
protection or understanding through research, conservation, writings, or activism.

2. List the names of women, first and last, who have contributed to environmental protection or
understanding through research, conservation, writings, or activism.

3. For which group was it easier for you to develop a list of names?

4. Why was it easier to come up with names for one group? Are there more men or women
involved with environmental studies?

5. When do you think women became involved with the study of sciences and conservation?

6. What would a person have to do in order to be included in the category of environmentalist or

conservationist?
 Activity 2: Bulletin Board/Reports and Research
Included in this packet are photos and short 4. What impact did she have then and how
biographies of several women who have does it affect us today?
contributed to the study of the environment or 5. What present day activities resulted from or
have worked to promote conservation of were advanced due to her work?
resources. Copy these summaries and display
on a bulletin board along with the pictures. In- Encourage students to locate a picture of the
clude the caption, ―Who Else Could Go Here?‖ woman being researched to be included in the
This question will serve as the basis for research bulletin board display. They will report their
on these and other women who have had an en- findings as a presentation to the class. The final
vironmental impact. A list of additional names write-up can be presented as a formal report or
has been included below to provide you with in an abbreviated format similar to that used in
research options. this booklet.
Extension Idea
After setting up the bulletin board, explain that
these and other women have been involved in This activity can be made into a portfolio and
the study of sciences, health, and environment carried out in cooperative groups to reduce the
for many years. Students will be assigned a number of reports generated. Portfolios should
woman to research. In their research they are to require students to produce a biographical
address these questions: timeline, a written report of the person’s life, a
photograph of the person, a bibliography, and a
1. In what area of environmental activity was student-generated word search or crossword
the woman involved? puzzle using highlights and terms produced
2. How did she contribute to environmental through research.
awareness and action?
3. What challenges did she encounter in her life
and work?

Women To Research
Alice McClosky Helen Ross Russell Nancy Sutley
Ann LaBastille Harriet Hemenway Peggy Shephard
Barbara Mikulski Irene Pepperberg Rosemary Grant
Barbara Ward Jackson Ivette Perfecto Sally Carrighar
Beatrix Potter Jane Goodall Sheila Link
Bev Doolittle Jolene Unsoeld Susan Griffin
Carolyn Merchant Karen Warren Virginia Eifert
Cathy Sneed Marcum L. Hunter Lovins Willa Cather
Dian Fossei Margaret Murie
Elizabeth Dodson Gray Margaret Stewart (This list does not contain the names of
Eva L. Gordon Mary Austin the women provided in this publica-
Gaura Devi May Theilgaard Watts tion. You may add them to the list as
well if not displaying in the classroom.)
Georgia O’Keeffe Nicole Duplaix
 Activity 3: Local Women in the Community
The involvement and contribution women have A. How did you become interested in this
made to the study of our natural resources and profession?
environmental protection has greatly expanded. B. What educational background do you
Use the following activity as an extension to have for this profession?
student research of the past. This is designed to C. Were many women involved in this
provide current information about local women area when you started compared to now?
involved in research, education, writing, and D. Was it difficult for you to enter this
public policy making for today. field?

4. Have the students develop five more

Procedure questions to ask in the interview that directly
1. Using the internet, town guides, and/or the relate to the profession and its impact on
phone book, identify local government, environmental protection and quality.
non-profits, and businesses that serve some 5. Students will then present these interviews as
form of environmental stewardship. an oral report to the class. Their
Compile this list on the board for students to presentation can be altered from a written
record in their notes. report to the form of a play or biographical
2. Have students identify which sector of story about the person. This will allow
environmental stewardship they are students to dress appropriate to the
interested in learning about. profession’s requirements and use props vital
3. Student will contact professionals serving in to the work. i.e. Forester– calipers, tree
their area of interest, preferably women, and identification key, wood samples, …
interview them on their positions. Include
the following questions to be asked of all
people interviewed.

Closure
Following student research, interviews, and activities related to study of Women In The Environment,
return to the class’s pre-assessment questionnaire results. Have the students review their feel-
ings, lists and opinions prior to their research. How do they feel now about the role of women in
the past? Are they able to list more names? Why do they think women’s participation in science
has not been publicized more in the past? Can they relate historical developments, primarily
the women’s right to vote and wars, to the increase in women in environmental and scientific
professions? How do they see themselves, currently and in the future, either working in or par-
ticipating as private citizens in environmental issues and conservation?
 Activity 4: Women In the Environment Crossword Puzzle
1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

10

11 12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19

20 21

22

23

24

25 26

27
Across
1: Rosalie Edge founded a _____ for raptors.
4: A bird sanctuary and the field guide it was named after.
7: The _____ movement protects the environment.
9: The Audubon Society helped stop the hunting of birds for their _____.
11: Founder of The Massachusetts Audubon Society.
14: A group tasked with protecting birds.
15: In the early 20th century, few women pursued a _____ in the sciences.
17: Marjory Stoneman Douglas was instrumental in creating _____ National Park.
19: Anna Botsford-Comstock wrote insect and _____ guides.
22: Ann LaBastille, Mabel Osgood Wright, Helen Ross Russell, and several other women in conservation
studied at this university.
23: Frances _____ Kellogg donated her land to the state for protection after her death.
24: The study of living organisms and the nonliving components of their habitats.
25: Helped pass the Wilderness Act, called ―the Grandmother of the Conservation Movement‖
27: The Handbook of Nature_____
Down
2: Mycology is the study of _____
3: A group founded by Rosalie Edge to aid the Audubon Society financially.
5: Jane Goodall’s research refuted the belief that only humans were capable of using _____.
6: Beatrix Potter’s primary scientific interest.
8: Barbara Ward Jackson championed this.
9: Rachel Carson worked to end excessive _____ use.
10: Helen Ross Russell wanted to enrich environmental education by incorporating more __________
into lessons.
12: Irene Pepperberg’s research with _____ has broadened our understanding of bird intelligence.
13: A book by Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
16: Rachel Carson’s most important book.
18: An _____ studies insects.
20: A book by Ann LaBastille.
21: Primatologist colleague of Jane Goodall who studied gorillas.
24: Jolene Unsoeld worked to promote _____ conservation.
26: _____can be used to draw attention to and teach about the environment.
Anna Bostford-Comstock
Photograph provided and copyrights reserved by Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Carl A. Kroch Library, Cornell Univesity, Ithaca, NY 14853-5302
 Anna Botsford-Comstock
Nature study is an important part of member of the American Nature Study Society
environmental sciences. Anna Botsford- and the American Nature Association, Anna
Comstock was an early proponent of nature study, helped to shape national educational policies for
emphasizing the need to understand its the field of science. From 1917-1923, as the edi-
interrelationships. tor of the Nature Study Review now known as
Anna’s interest in the natural environment Nature Magazine, Anna produced many well-
stemmed from her artistic ability to create known writings, displaying her unique practice of
anatomically correct illustrations of insects, lead- including basic information with scientific termi-
ing to her specialization in the field of entomol- nology for the general public.
ogy. In 1874, while studying Natural History at Anna’s most important work, The Handbook
Cornell University, she met her husband, noted of Nature Study, was developed to provide elemen-
entomologist John Comstock. She began tary teachers with a guide on how to teach their
illustrating his textbooks and lectures while students about the interrelationships of animal
continuing her work towards a bachelor of science life, plant life, and the earth and sky. Her husband
degree, which she eventually completed in 1885. was quite skeptical of the need for such a guide
She and John coauthored several books, including and discouraged her work on this 900-page book.
Insect Life and Ways of the Six Footed. She continued Twenty-four editions and eight different language
to develop the field of nature study, eventually translations later, the ―nature bible,‖ as it became
founding and heading Cornell’s Department of known, emphasized the need for natural history
Nature Study. This made her the first woman education at the most basic level. Today much of
professor at Cornell University. the environmental education in school and
While part of New York State’s Committee informal settings, such as nature centers, follow
on the Promotion of Agriculture, she emphasized the principals set forth by this pioneering
the need for responsible care of resources and environmental educator.
worked on early pest management plans. As a
1854 Born September 1
1874-1876 Attends Cornell University
1878 Marries John Comstock
1885 Attains B.S. Degree in Nature Study
1895 Conducts a pioneering nature study course in West Chester County, New York
1897 Co-authors and illustrates Insect Life with husband John Comstock
1917-1923 Editor of Nature Study Review
1903 Co-authors The Ways of the Six-Legged
1904 Publishes How to Know Butterflies
1905 Publishes How to Keep Bees
1911 Publishes Handbook of Nature Study
1914 Publishes The Pet Book
1916 Publishes Trees at Leisure
1930 Dies August 24 at age 75
1953 The Comstocks of Cornell published posthumously
Rachel Carson
Photograph used with permission from the Rachel Carson History Project, all right reserved.
Photograph taken by Shirley A. Briggs
 Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson was born on May 27, 1907 in In 1952, Rachel left the Wildlife Service to pur-
Springdale Pennsylvania. From a very young age, she sue writing full-time and moved to Maine to be closer
was interested in exploring the outdoors and writing. to her beloved ocean. Here she wrote her third book,
Her literary skill emerged through the stories and The Edge of the Sea, this one focusing on the ecological
poems she produced while still in elementary school. link between different habitats. At that time little
Later her writings would educate and change public work was being done in the emerging science of ecol-
opinion on many important environmental issues. As ogy. Rachel’s book reflected on this area of science,
a young adult, Rachel enrolled at Pennsylvania emphasizing the importance of plant and animal diver-
College, later renamed Chatham College, to pursue sity to create a balanced system.
writing. While there, she was introduced to the area of In the early 1960’s Rachel began work on her
science known as biology, which quickly drew her in- most famous book, Silent Spring. This work would ad-
terest and enthusiasm. Against her teachers’ and class- dress her concerns about the widespread use of DDT,
mates’ advice, Rachel changed her major to biology. a common pesticide, and its dangerous effect on bird
Science was a field women did not pursue in those
populations. It took four years to compile data and
days, and she was often discouraged from continuing, research supporting the position that DDT needed to
as it would be difficult for her to make a living. be banned and pesticide use controlled, so that over-
Nevertheless, she graduated in 1929 with her degree in use would not result in environmental damage. When
biology and accepted a summer position at Woods Silent Spring was published in 1962, the issue of pesti-
Hole Biological Laboratory in Cape Cod. She had al- cide use was volatile. A special committee was formed
ways been fascinated by ocean life and her love for it by President Kennedy to look into the issue of envi-
increased during her time at the lab. The following ronmental protection. This would lead to the forma-
fall, Rachel entered Johns Hopkins University under a tion of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
full academic scholarship, graduating in 1932 with her in 1970. Rachel became an early environmental
Master’s Degree in Marine Biology. spokesperson, working toward protection of natural
After graduation, Rachel was hired by the United resources and environmental health. In 1972, the
States Bureau of Fisheries, not as a biologist but as a EPA banned the use of DDT in the United States.
writer producing radio spots about fish. Her writing Sadly, Rachel Carson had died on April 14, 1964 from
ability and scientific background lead to further duties cancer and was not able to see the culmination of her
that included developing and editing government work, writings and research.
reports and creating nature stories. In 1941 she Rachel Carson’s influence in the area of science
published her first book, Under the Sea Wind, uniting and importance in conservation and ecology has lasted
fiction with scientific facts for an approachable and long past her death. She received the Presidential
accurate text. By 1949, Rachel had risen to the rank of Medal of Freedom and a national wildlife refuge in
editor in chief of the U.S. Wildlife Service’s publica- Maine was created in her honor. Today, the Rachel
tions. She continued to work on her own literary Carson Council continues her work providing infor-
projects, and in 1951 she published her award winning mation on environmental issues.
book, The Sea Around Us.
1907 Born May 27
1925 Studies at Pennsylvania College, now Chatham College
1929 Graduates from college and accepts position at Woods Hole
1932 Graduates with master’s degree in marine biology
1936 Employed at the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries
1941 Publishes Under the Sea Wind
1951 Publishes The Sea Around Us
1953 Leaves Wildlife Service and moves to Maine
1955 Publishes Edge of the Sea
1962 Publishes Silent Spring
1964 April 14, dies from cancer
1965 A Sense of Wonder published posthumously
Rosalie Edge
Photograph provided and copyrights reserved by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association
 Rosalie Edge
Rosalie Barrow Edge was born on ety’s president was mismanaging funds by
November 3, 1877, the youngest of eight children. accepting royalties from trappers and hunters. By
At the age of 32, Rosalie married Charles Noel making this public knowledge, the membership of
Edge, with whom she had two children: Peter, the Audubon Society shifted, leading to the
born in 1913, and Margaret, born in 1915. After reorganization and new management of the group
15 years of marriage, she separated from her hus- in 1934.
band and made her home in New York City with That same year, Rosalie Edge founded
her children. Rosalie devoted considerable time Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Eastern
to bird-watching in Central Park, where she met Pennsylvania, the first refuge for raptors. This
fellow enthusiasts, including biologists from the was a crowning achievement for Rosalie and the
American Museum of Natural History. ECC. The 1930’s also saw the ECC save a 6,000
In 1929, at the age of 52, Rosalie Edge acre grove of sugar pines on National Forest Ser-
launched her career as a conservationist while vice land bordering Yosemite National Park, help
staying in Paris. She received a copy of ―A Crisis achieve the creation of Olympic National Forest
in Conservation,‖ which discussed the dangers in Washington State, and work for the establish-
facing many North American birds. The book ment of Kings Canyon National Park in Califor-
had been published several months earlier by nia, all for bird habitat preservation. Rosalie testi-
Willard Van Name, curator of marine inverte- fied numerous times at Congressional hearings,
brates and accomplished ornithologist with the wrote reams of letters, and authored numerous
American Museum of Natural History. Rosalie educational pamphlets on birds, national parks,
returned to New York to meet Dr. Van Name. and forests for the general public and schools.
From this meeting, Rosalie founded the strident Rosalie’s success in environmental activism was
organization, The Emergency Conservation rooted in her past work in the suffrage movement
Committee (ECC), with the objective of ending in the early 1900’s, when she had been secretary of
the financial dependence of the National the New York State Woman’s Suffrage Party.
Audubon Society on hunters. The activities of the Today Rosalie Edge is gaining the atten-
committee revolved around developing press re- tions of environmental historians who are ranking
leases, letters, and pamphlets supporting the pres- her contribution to the national park and conser-
ervation of all birds and the protection of their vation movement with such giants as John Muir
habitats. She contended that the Audubon Soci- and Rachel Carson.

1877 Born November 3

1900 Works as a Suffragette
1909 Marries Charles Noel Edge
1916 Separates from her husband
1929 Forms Emergency Conservation Committee
1930 Files grievance against National Audubon Society with Civil Liberties Union
1934 National Audubon Society recognized, Hawk Mountain established
1938 Hawk Mountain incorporated as non-profit
1962 Attends annual meeting of National Audubon society as guest of honor
1962 Dies at the age of 85
Wangari Maathai
Photo provided and copyright reserved by The Green Belt Movement
Photographer Martin Rowe
 Wangari Maathai
“Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and responsibilities and jobs in the conservation sec-
make it survive, you haven't done a thing. tor. With these changes, her program expanded
You are just talking.‖ to encompass most of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speech at Goldman Awards, San Francisco (24 Wangari’s greatest challenges were provided
April 2006) by political and sexist traditions that she worked
to change. Her questioning of these discrimina-
These are the words Wangari Maathai,
tive practices led to multiple arrests. Wangari’s
founder of the Green Belt Movement, lives by.
husband falsely accused her of infidelity and filed
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) works across
for divorce, claiming that she was ―too strong
much of sub-Saharan Africa helping villages and
willed and too educated to control.‖ A judge
towns by planting trees. This promotes an eco-
ruled in his favor during the divorce, sentencing
friendly atmosphere and helps bind villages to-
her to imprisonment for infidelity. She refuted
gether and overcome social issues throughout the
the court’s conclusions in an interview, causing
area by uniting people in pursuit of a common
the judge to charge her with contempt of court
goal.
and sentence her to prison on a six month term,
Wangari Maathai was born in Nyeri, Kenya
though she only served three days.
in 1940. She completed her bachelor’s degree in
In January of 1992, a political coup took
Biological Sciences from Mount St. Scholastica
place in Kenya and Wangari’s work for equal
College in Atchison, Kansas in 1964. She went on
rights for women and belief of multi-party democ-
to earn a Master of Science degree from the
racy had her listed for assassination. She was ulti-
University of Pittsburgh in 1966 and a Ph.D. from
mately arrested by the single-party government,
the University of Nairobi 1971, becoming the
but pressure from nations in Europe and North
first woman from East/Central Africa to receive
America forced her release. Later that year, she
a doctorate. She was soon appointed chair of the
would help establish a multi-party democracy
University of Nairobi’s Department of Veterinary
system in Kenya and smooth the political
Anatomy.
transition. In 2002, she ran for election to
Wangari joined the National Council of
parliament under the National Rainbow Coalition
Women in Kenya in 1976, serving as the council’s
and won the race in a landslide.
chairman from 1981-1987. One of her first
In 2004, Wangari became the first African
projects for the council was a community
woman and the first environmentalist to win the
tree-planting project to prevent soil erosion. She
Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded for her
originally organized it as a local program that was
political achievements and her work with the
almost purely environmental in its approach.
GBM.
However, the project became a springboard for
women’s rights, as the program gave women
1940 Wangari Maathai is born on April 1 in Nyeri, Kenya
1976 Joins Kenya’s National Council of Women
1977 Judge has her arrested for comments she makes about divorce case
1986 Green Belt Movement becomes a Pan-African movement
1992 Arrested by the Kenyan single-party government, then helped replace it
2002 Becomes Fellows Professor at Yale School of Forestry, taught course on sustainable
development
2004 Receives Noble Peace Prize
2006 Spearheads UN Billion Tree Campaign and becomes founder of the Nobel
Women’s Initiative
2009 Receives NAACP Image Award and Chairman’s Award
2011 September 25, Passed away from cancer
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Photograph provided and copyrights reserved by Friends of the Everglades
Photographer, Sharon Kingston
 Marjory Stoneman Douglas
―I can talk all night and I’m used to the Even with federal protection, the
heat.‖ Famous words, spoken by Marjory development of the Glades continued under
Stoneman Douglas at many town meetings when projects designed for ―improvement‖ by the Army
the wisdom of preserving the Everglades was Corps of Engineers. Marjory met this new
questioned. Marjory was one of the first propo- challenge with vigor, and founding The Friends of
nents of saving this massive river of grass. Her the Everglades in 1969. Membership grew from
understanding of the interrelationship between the 500 the first year to over 3000 in 38 states in three
physical and living systems of the Everglades fu- years. Eventually, the government ended the
eled her passion for protecting this wild space. development project and the Glades returned to
Her gift with words and writing ability provided its natural state. In 1991, Marjory had the honor
Marjory with the tools to reach people on local of seeing protective legislation signed into law on
and national levels. She fought against the long- her own front yard by then Governor Lawton
standing view that this large swamp was useless Chiles.
for anything but breeding mosquitoes and should Marjory served as a role model for what can
be drained and cleared for development. be accomplished when dedicated individuals
Marjory witnessed attempts at development become involved in a cause. She worked until her
in the Everglades in the 1940s. As tracts of the death in May of 1998 at the age of 108, showing
Glades burned uncontrollably for days due to dry that age does not have to limit drive or ability.
vegetation and shrinking water supplies, she wrote Her passion for the Everglades still drives with the
of the disaster, ―What had once been a river of groups she founded: The Friends of the
grass and sweet water had now become a river of Everglades, The Young Friends of the Everglades,
fire.‖ Finally, in 1947, after twenty years of work and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Nature Cen-
and growing public support, President Harry S. ter. These organizations continue her work today
Truman declared the Everglades a National Park. and encourage new people to get involved in
Marjory published her book, River of Grass, that conservation.
same year.
1890 April 7, Marjory Stoneman born in Minneapolis, MN
1896 Parents divorce and Marjory moves with her mother to Tawton, MA
1912 Graduates from Wesley College
1915 Marries Kenneth Douglas
1915 Reunites with her father and moves to Florida to work as a writer at the Miami Herald
1924 Leaves Miami Herald and writes freelance for The Saturday Evening Post and Ladies’
Home Journal
1928 Writes the book, Rivers of America, redefining the understanding of the Glades as a river,
not a swamp
1947 Establishment of Everglades as a National Park by Harry Truman
1947 River of Grass published
1969 Establishes Friends of the Everglades
1975 Named Conservationist of the Year by the Florida Audubon Society
1976 Named Conservationist of the Year by the Florida Wildlife Federation
1989 Named Honorary Vice President of the Sierra Club
1991 Governor Lawton Chiles signs state legislation to protect and restore the Everglades
1993 Receives Medal of Freedom from President Clinton
1994 Young Friends of the Everglades established
1998 May 14, dies at the age of 108
Mabel Osgood Wright
Photograph provided and copyright reserved by Connecticut Audubon Society
Communications Office, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06430
 Mabel Osgood Wright
Growing up in New York City in the 1800s Mrs. William Glover to form the Audubon
and spending summers in Fairfield, CT helped Society, State Of Connecticut (later renamed Con-
form Mabel’s appreciation of nature. Her interest necticut Audubon Society). Mabel served as the
in the natural environment was largely due to her first president of this group. Its early efforts fo-
father’s influence. Diaries kept in childhood and cused on pressuring lawmakers to protect birds
as a young adult give insight into the developing from being killed for their plumage, which was a
convictions of a young woman firmly against popular adornment for ladies’ hats. This led to
urbanization. the ratification of the International Migratory Bird
Originally, Mabel wished to study Medicine Act of 1918, which made it illegal to kill the spe-
at Cornell University, a rarity for a Victorian cies under its protection.
woman. However, her interests in science lead Mabel’s interest in the environment was
her to the American Museum of Natural History rooted in education, and she emphasized the need
in New York. Here, she used the extensive collec- to provide children with natural history education.
tions to learn about bird taxonomy and developed She created exhibits and, with some enthusiastic
and interest in conservation. In 1884, she married friends, taught environmental lessons to school
James Osborn Wright and the couple moved to children throughout the state.
Connecticut. The same year saw her first book In 1914, Mrs. Wright spearheaded the devel-
published, The Friendship of Nature. Its popularity opment of a songbird sanctuary in Connecticut.
made her name synonymous with conservation. With the help of friends, she purchased ten acres
The next year her most popular book, Birdcraft (a across the street from her home. She named the
name that would play a great role in years to preserve after her popular field guide Birdcraft,
come), was published. Other writings included then in its seventh edition. Research on birds and
magazine articles and books using both technical other wildlife began almost immediately, demon-
formats and narrative description. Her interest strating the utility of this sanctuary. By the 1920s,
and abilities as a photographer aided her in illus- Birdcraft saw 30,000 visitors a year. At her death
trating books using colored glass plates of black in 1934, aged 75, Mabel had achieved great status
and white photos. as a visionary for the protection of birds and habi-
At this time, the Audubon Society was just tats, an educator and leading conservationist for
being established and was meeting difficulty due the state, and as the founder of the Connecticut
to weak national leadership. So on January 28, Audubon Society and the Birdcraft Center in
1898, thirteen women gathered at the home of Fairfield, CT.

1859 Mabel Osgood born January 19

1884 Marries James Osborn Wright
1884 Publishes best selling book, The Friendship of Nature
1885 Publishes Birdcraft, one of the first and most successful bird manuals
1898 January 28, formation of Audubon Society, State Of Connecticut (Renamed
Connecticut Audubon Society
1898 Prioritizes the education of children in natural history education to children, produces
traveling programs and displays for classroom use
1918 Establishes Birdcraft Center, Fairfield, CT
1934 Dies at home at the age of 75
Cenotaph of Bishnoi martyrs at Khejarli, who laid down their lives in 1730 CE protecting trees
Photograph provided and copyright reserved by Wikimedia Commons
Photograph taken by LRBurdak

Photo of Uttarakhandi’s Latka Village women members of the Chipko movement taken circa 1970
Photograph provided and copyright reserved by Women in World History
 Amrita Devi and the Chipko Movement
Amrita Devi began what most know today as tion reached the Maharaja, he ordered that the tree
the Chipko Movement in the 18th century. This cutting be stopped, and the forests around
practice, which involves surrounding and hugging Khejarli were spared.
trees to protect them from loggers, is still in Various awards have been given to the
existence today, nearly 300 years later. The story Chipko movement, which was inspired by the
of her bravery has been preserved through the actions of Amrita Devi. Today, it is an
years in Indian culture. organization that not only looks out for the
The first Chipko occurred around 1730 in environment but is also on the forefront of social
the Indian village of Khejarli. The village was reform. The modern Chipko movement began to
surrounded with many sacred Kejri trees, which gather momentum in the 1970s when the Indian
protected the community from the neighboring Forestry Department let contractors cut down
arid desert by providing them with water and shel- trees for the manufacture of sports equipment.
ter from sandstorms. One night, however, a The people of the area were outraged and held
group of unknown men came to the village with many protests from 1972 to 1974. This
an order from the Maharaja to cut down the Kejri culminated when a group of villagers who saw the
trees as lumber for the construction of his new contractors begin to harvest trees threw
palace. Amrita refused to let this happen. The themselves in front of them, literally hugging the
tree cutters said she could offer money as a bribe, trees. They remained in place for a few days
but she refused, saying that such behavior would without rest until the harvesters finally gave in.
be an insult to her way of life. Because of her de- The people of this group, officially known as the
fiance and pride, Amrita was beheaded along with Chipko Movement, were often labeled ―tree
three others that day. The villagers rallied around huggers‖ were the origin of the term now applied
the sacrifice that Amrita and the others had made, to environmental activists around the world. The
and people from all over the area — men, women, almost entirely female group brought about many
children, and the elderly — began to gather positive changes in the environment, and in 1987
around the trees, hugging them. In all, 363 people they were awarded the Right Livelihood Award,
would sacrifice their lives for the forests they re- which is very similar to a Nobel Prize.
lied on and loved so dearly. Once this informa-

1730 Amrita and 363 others sacrifice themselves defending forests of Khejarli
1730-1972 Various protests to protect forests resulted in death or arresting of protestors
1973 Protectors come out in force to fight Forestry Department from taking down
trees for sports company
1987 Right Livelihood Award, in recognition to personal courage and social
transformation
Frances Osborne Kellogg
Photograph provided and copyrights reserved by The State of Connecticut
 Frances Osborne Kellogg
Frances ―Fannie‖ Osborne was the only death in 1956, when the herd was sold.
child of Wilbur and Ellen Osborne to survive Fannie was always involved in her
infancy. She spent her entire life on the family community and served as president on many
estate at 500 Hawthorne Avenue in Derby, CT. organizations and committees. She was the first
At the age of 16, Fannie lost vision in one eye due female member of both the Derby Board of
to an accident, resulting in her never completing Education and the Derby Board of Zoning
her formal education. However, she was educated Appeals. She was also the first female bank direc-
in a different way as she began to accompany her tor in Connecticut, leading the Birmingham
father to work. This gave her great insight into National Bank, now called the Bank of Boston.
business and industry, an area that women seldom She was an officer and director of the American
entered at the time. When her father died in 1907, Holstein-Friesian Association and the first woman
she took over his manufacturing plants and other to serve on the board of the Connecticut Forest &
positions, including that of president of Union Park Association, working to preserve and build
Fabric Co., Derby Silver Company, vice president our state forests.
of Connecticut Clasp Co., and treasurer of Kelly
Co. She later founded Steels and Busks Ltd. in Fannie’s interest in land preservation was
Leicester, England, thereby making her mark as affirmed when, in 1951, the town of Derby
one of the first women industrialists in an era claimed her dairy’s pastures through eminent do-
when females were not usually allowed to work main to use for a housing development. Wishing
for wages. to keep her lands intact and provide for their
conservation, she donated her estate and land to
It wasn’t until the age of 43 that she married the State of Connecticut for use as a Connecticut
well-known architect Waldo Stuart Kellogg. With State Park. Frances died in 1956, and the property
his help, Fannie expanded the small family dairy and estate was officially opened to the public as
farm and business into a world-famous Osbornedale State Park and Osborne Homestead
Holstein-Friesian dairy herd and breeding facility. Museum in 1983. Her estate also provided for
Sadly, though, after only nine years of marriage the establishment of the Kellogg Environmental
Waldo died, leaving the operation of the dairy Center, which serves as a public outreach resource
herd and business to Fannie. The farm continued for conservation, natural history, and the
to thrive under Fannie’s directorship until her preservation of land and other resources.
1876 Born on 14 May
1892 Loses sight in one eye, stops formal education
1907 Takes over as President of father’s businesses
1907 Co-founds of Steels and Busk Ltd. Factory in New England
1919 Marries Waldo Stewart Kellogg
1928 Waldo dies at age 57
1935 Becomes first woman bank director in Connecticut
1951 Donates her estate to the State of Connecticut
1956 Dies at age 80
1960 Osbornedale State Park opens
1983 Estate is officially opened to the public as a historical museum, Kellogg
Environmental Center established
Lisa P. Jackson
Photograph provided and copyrights reserved by The Environmental Protection Agency
 Lisa P. Jackson
Born on February 8, 1962 in Philadelphia, superfund sites, remediation programs that
PA., Lisa P. Jackson grew up in the Ninth Ward of addressed hazardous material cleanups throughout
New Orleans, LA. She attended Saint Mary’s central New Jersey. She joined the New Jersey
Dominican High School in New Orleans and was Department of Environmental Protection
the valedictorian of her graduating class in 1979. (NJDEP) in March 2002 and became the
Her skill with mathematics earned her a scholar- commissioner in 2006. At the NJDEP, she
ship from the National Consortium for Graduates organized many programs in diverse fields,
Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Sci- including the development of the Highlands Wa-
ence. It was during her graduate work at ter Protection and Planning Act. All totaled she
Princeton University that she became interested in lead a staff of 2,990 professionals to protect, sus-
environmental issues, specifically reducing tain and enhance New Jersey’s water, air and land,
pollution and hazardous waste while following and preserving its wealth of natural and historic
news coverage on the cleanup at Love Canal. resources.
Working for Clean Sites, a nonprofit that In 2009 Lisa Jackson became the fourth
worked to clean up hazardous waste sites, brought woman and the first African American to head the
her awareness of vulnerable groups exposed to EPA. Her involvement in Environmental Justice
these hazards that normally did not have a voice in for underserved population brought a new
politics. Lisa saw that the most valuable work in dimension to the area of standards and policy
pollution prevention was being done by the design for the EPA. In December 2009, she
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She announced the beginning of a federal program to
began to work for the EPA in Washington DC as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This was
a staff engineer, later transferring to the regional quickly followed by the institution of a national
office in New York City. She focused on emissions limit for vehicles.

1962 Born in Philadelphia, PA

1979 Graduates valedictorian of St. Mary Dominican High School, New Orleans, LA
1983 Graduates summa cum laude from Tulane University
1986 Graduates Princeton University, begins work with Clean Sites and the EPA
2002 Becomes staff engineer for New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
2006 Becomes commissioner of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
2007 Named Cabinet member of the Year, New Jersey Conference of Mayors
2008 Becomes Chief of Staff For New Jersey Governor's Office
2009 Appointed Environmental Protection Agency Head
2010 Newsweek Magazine names her among the ten most important people of the year
Winona LaDuke
Photographer Randall Denning
 Winona LaDuke
Born 1959 in Los Angeles, California into a Harvest promotes and sells agricultural products such
family of activists. Her father Vincent LaDuke (Sun as, heritage wild rice, organic coffee, maple products,
Bear) was part Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), a supporting and artisan handcrafts. WELRP won the Slow Food
actor in western movies and an activist for Native Award for preservation of biodiversity in 2003 for its
American issues. Her mother Betty Berstein LaDuke work preserving and protecting wild rice.
an artist influenced by her experiences growing up and In 1993 Winona and the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray
working in multi-ethnic communities. Winona’s and Emily Saliers, started the non-profit Honor the
parents divorced in 1964 and she was raised in Earth to support the Native environmental
Ashland Oregon by her mother. movement. Honor the Earth provides ―funding
While attending Harvard University Winona met grassroots (to) Indigenous organizations focused on
Jimmy Durham a well-known Cherokee activist, who creating food security utilizing Indigenous varieties
inspired her interest in Native American environ- and organic production as well as Indigenous groups
mental issues. This resulted in her speaking before the and projects implementing energy efficiency and
United Nations, International Indian Treaty Council renewable energy strategies at an appropriate scale to
on Native American issues of mining and reservations support dignity in the community.‖
when she was just 18 years old. LaDuke ran on the Green Party ticket for Vice
After graduating from Harvard LaDuke moved President of the United States at the invitation of her
to the White Earth Reservation in Northern running mate Ralph Nader in 1996 & 2000. She has
Minnesota. Here she took a job as principle of the also written four books, Last Women Standing, All Our
high school but soon after began the White Earth Relation: Native Struggles for Land and Life, The Winona
Land Recovery Project (WELRP). The project’s goal Duke Reader: A collection of Essential Writings, and Recover-
is to gain back possession of the land, sold off to ing the Sacred: The Power of Naming and Claiming.
mining interests, that had been held by White Earth Winona lives on the White Earth reservation
Reservation. WELRP, having exhausted legal means, where she raised 5 children and is now a grandmother.
has bought back thousands of acres of this land. She continues to advocate, teach, write, and lecture
These purchases are partly funded by Native Harvest about environmental issues and sustainable use of the
of which Winona is the founding director. Native earth’s resources.

1959 Born in Los Angeles, CA

1977 Speaks to the United Nations about Native American issues
1978 Legal research writer for the National Indian Youth Council
1982 Graduates with degree in Rural Economic Development, Harvard University
1989 Graduates Antioch University with M.A. Community Economic Development; starts
White Earth Recovery Project; receives International Reebok Human Rights Award
1991 Co-founded Honor the Earth with the Indigo Girls, named to board of directors of
Greenpeace
1995 Named one of ―50 Leaders‖ by Time Magazine
1996 Receives the Thomas Merton Award and the Ann Bancroft Award
1996 & 2000 Ran as Vice Presidential candidate on Green Party ticket with Ralph Nader
1997 Named Woman of the Year by Ms. Magazine, publishes Last Women Standing
1998 Women’s Action for New Direction Leadership Award
2000 Woodcraft Circle Writer of the Year Award for All our Relations
2007 Inducted into National Women’s Hall of Fame
 Reference Materials
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Kellogg Environmental Center, http://www.ct.gov/dep/kellogg
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United States Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/administrator.html
 Crossword Answer Key
Across Down
1: Refuge 2: Fungus
4: Birdcraft 3: ECC
7: Conservation 5: Tools
9: Plumes 6: Mycology
11: Harriet Hemenway 8: Sustainable Development
14: Audubon 9: Pesticide
15: Career 10: Field Trips
17: Everglades 12: Alex
19: Tree 13: River of Grass
22: Cornell 16: Silent Spring
23: Osborne 18: Entomologist
24: Ecology 20: Woodswoman
25: Margaret Murie 21: Dian Fossey
27: Study 24: Energy
26: Art

NOTES