This is a continuation of our conservationist series. Each post will detail a conservationist’s life, notable accomplishments and ways the conservationist connects to kids. This post features Rachel Carson.
Rachel Carson speaks before the Senate in 1963. Photo credit: United Press International
BIOLOGIST. AUTHOR. ECOLOGIST. EDUCATOR. CONSERVATIONIST.
Rachel Carson is best known for her book
Silent Spring. In this book, Carson called for a change in the way humankind viewed the natural world. She challenged the use of DDT, citing the harm it causes for humans and the environment.
WHO IS RACHEL CARSON?
Rachel Carson was born in Springdale, Penn. on May 27, 1907. An author early on in life, Carson won her first writing award at age 11 for a story published in
St. Nicholas Magazine. Carson later attended Pennsylvania College for Women, now Chatham University, with intentions of majoring in English and becoming a teacher. After graduation, Carson attended Johns Hopkins University's Department of Zoology, where she would later teach. She earned her master of arts degree. Additionally, she planned to pursue her doctorate in marine biology at Johns Hopkins. This was during the Great Depression, and due to a lack of funds, Carson was forced to drop out of the program.
After leaving school, Carson worked as a features writer for the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries in the Department of Commerce. She wrote 52 short radio programs on marine life titled "Romance Under the Waters." She also began freelance writing for other publications, including
The Baltimore Sun and
Atlantic Monthly. By June of 1939, Carson was working as assistant aquatic biologist in the Department of Commerce while continuing her writing career.
While continuing to work her way up in the Department of Commerce, Carson published her first book,
Under the Sea-Wind. She continued to have her writing published in popular magazines, including
Reader's Digest. Carson had a breast tumor removed in 1950, but no further treatment was suggested. In 1951, Carson resigned as a biologist to concentrate on writing full-time.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGACY
Rachel Carson is perhaps most well-known for her book
Silent Spring. Published in 1962, Carson aimed to educate the public on the dangers of misusing pesticides. Carson spoke out about the dangers despite being attacked by the chemical industry as an alarmist. Carson testified before Congress in 1963 and called for new policies to protect the environment and human health. Unfortunately, she died from breast cancer in 1964. However, her legacy will remain in the fact that
Silent Spring resulted in the banning of DDT and allowed for changes in laws regarding the air, land, and water.
CONNECTING TO KIDS
"Some of nature's most exquisite handiwork is on a miniature scale." - Rachel Carson
QUICK FACTS
- Rachel Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980 by President Carter.
- Carson was featured on a postage stamp in 1981.
- Many people credit Carson and her books for creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Comments