Leaders in Wildlife Conservation

John James Audubon (1785-1851) Studied and drew North American birds in their natural settings. Audubon first published his work in Scotland and then in the U.S. The American Audubon Society was established in 1905. (Ornithology – the study of birds)

John Muir (1838-1914) He is known as an explorer, naturalist, conservationist and writer. He is best known for his studies in areas that are now Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. He founded the Sierra Club in 1892 to promote conservation. He was featured on the California quarter minted in Jan 2005.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858- 1919) He served as president from 1901 – 1909 and used his power to influence conservation in the US. He established the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903 called Pelican Island to protect native birds. During his presidency, he designated 150 National Forests, the first 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 5 National Parks, the first 18 National Monuments, and the first 4 National Game Preserves. He is known as the “Father of the Conservation Movement “ in the U.S.

Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946) His goal was to promote conservation of forest lands in the U.S. He served as head of the Forest Service for 12 years and as governor of PA. He became president of the National Conservation Committee and wrote The Fight for Conservation.

Aldo Leopold (1886-1948) He was a pioneer in applying ecology to wildlife management. He believed people should enjoy natural areas without damaging them. He set up the Dept. of Wildlife at the University of Wisconsin and wrote Game Management. He demonstrated the need to clearly understand the role and impact of hunting as well as all other biotic and abiotic factors (reproduction, mortality, food, water, cover, etc) He is known as the Father of Wildlife Management.

Jay Norwood “Ding Darling” (1876-1962) Writer and cartoonist who took interest in natural resource conservation. He used cartoons to promote conservation and won a Pulitzer for 2 of them. His cartoons depicted shameful waste of wildlife and natural resources. He later became president of the National Wildlife Federation.