– **Early Life and Career:**
– Born on April 7, 1890, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
– Moved to Miami to work for The Miami Herald.
– Became a freelance writer, publishing over 100 short stories.
– Known for her book “The Everglades: River of Grass” in 1947.
– Influential in redefining the perception of the Everglades.
– **Activism and Advocacy:**
– Staunch defender of the Everglades against development.
– Advocated for conservation and preservation of South Florida.
– Known for her relentless efforts in protecting natural resources.
– Central role in Everglades protection at the age of 79.
– Earned the nickname “Grande Dame of the Everglades.”
– **Recognition and Awards:**
– Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
– Inducted into several halls of fame.
– Recognized for her tireless work in Everglades restoration.
– Awarded for her contributions to environmental conservation.
– Honored for her activism in protecting South Florida’s ecosystem.
– **Legacy and Influence:**
– Impact compared to Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.”
– Known for her contributions to women’s suffrage and civil rights.
– Left a lasting legacy in environmental conservation.
– Influential in shaping public perception of the Everglades.
– Inspired future generations of environmental activists.
– **Later Years and Enduring Impact:**
– Lived to the age of 108, working until nearly the end of her life.
– Continued advocating for Everglades restoration.
– Faced opposition from agricultural and business interests.
– Her work continues to influence conservation efforts.
– Her dedication to environmental causes remains an inspiration.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas (April 7, 1890 – May 14, 1998) was an American journalist, author, women's suffrage advocate, and conservationist known for her staunch defense of the Everglades against efforts to drain it and reclaim land for development. Moving to Miami as a young woman to work for The Miami Herald, she became a freelance writer, producing over one hundred short stories that were published in popular magazines. Her most influential work was the book The Everglades: River of Grass (1947), which redefined the popular conception of the Everglades as a treasured river instead of a worthless swamp. Its impact has been compared to that of Rachel Carson's influential book Silent Spring (1962). Her books, stories, and journalism career brought her influence in Miami, enabling her to advance her causes.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Marjory Stoneman April 7, 1890 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | May 14, 1998 (aged 108) Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Everglades conservation advocacy |
| Spouse |
Kenneth Douglas
(m. 1914; div. 1915) |
As a young woman, Douglas was outspoken and politically conscious of the women's suffrage and civil rights movements. She was called upon to take a central role in the protection of the Everglades when she was 79 years old. For the remaining 29 years of her life she was "a relentless reporter and fearless crusader" for the natural preservation and restoration of South Florida. Her tireless efforts earned her several variations of the nickname "Grande Dame of the Everglades" as well as the hostility of agricultural and business interests looking to benefit from land development in Florida. She received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and was inducted into several halls of fame.
Douglas lived to 108, working until nearly the end of her life for Everglades restoration. Upon her death, an obituary in The Independent in London stated, "In the history of the American environmental movement, there have been few more remarkable figures than Marjory Stoneman Douglas."