This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s
groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, and today, May 27, is the anniversary of
Carson’s birth in 1907. Thus, at the fairly young age of 55, this quiet,
reclusive marine biologist set off on a rough and tumble crusade to warn the
world of the chemical poisons we were casually spreading over our landscape.
Through tremendous tenacity, persistence, and fortitude, Carson weathered
ferocious opposition from what today we might call Big Chem. But she
persevered, and the undeniable truth of the damage DDT was doing to our
environment was finally seen and, at least in the United States, DDT is gone.
So, as you go birding today, give a little thought to the heroics of Rachael
Carson and the triumph of her efforts to save the birds we so love.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
