Prominent Conservationists

Aldo Leopold

Read Aldo Leopold's book, A Sand County Almanac, to understand why he is considered to be a cornerstone of modern conservation science, policy, and ethics. Visit The Aldo Leopold Foundation for more information.

Hugh Hammond Bennett

Hugh Hammond Bennett is the father of soil conservation. He was the first Chief of the USDA Soil Conservation Service, predecessor to today's USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Read Bennet's biography to learn more about him.

Ollie Fink

Ollie Fink was active in Friends of the Land, an agriculturally-oriented group that was active in the 1940's and 1950's. The group emphasized agroecologicalAgroecology is the science of ecology (the branch of biology dealing with the relations and interactions between organisms and their environment) applied to the design, development, and management of agriculture. concepts, many of which are taking root again now.

J.N. "Ding" Darling

J.N. "Ding" Darling was an editorial cartoonist who often depicted the price of soil erosion. His cartoons appeared in approximately 150 major daily newspaper from during the period 1912 - 1962. Learn more about him at the Ding Darling Foundation Web site.