The Friends of Huntley Meadows wish to remind readers that, today, May 27,
marks the 103rd birthday of Rachel Carson. Of all the many inspirations for
the environmental movement of the late 20th Century, Rachel Carson's
contributions are perhaps the most eloquent and the most compelling. The
author of many books, works for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and a steady
stream of articles for the Baltimore Sun, she nearly single handidly launched
the global environmental movement of the mid-20th century. Her book, Silent
Spring, led to a nation-wide ban on DDT, and an unprecedented examination of
other commonly used agricultural and horticultural insecticides. In the face
of enormous ridicule and attacks from the chemical industry, Rachel Carson
prevailed in her crusade to rid us of the harmful chemicals poisoning our
world. Those of us who love birds and the nature which they inhabit owe much
to this brave and determined scientist.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows
