• Rachel L. Carson
Rachel Louise Carson, the youngest daughter of Robert and Maria Carson was born on May 27, 1907 in Springdale, Pennsylvania. Rachel was raised at Springdale in her family’s farm wherein she was taught by her mother to love and care for environment.

• Journalist, Biologist, Ecologist
Rachel Carson studied at Parnassus High School and Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham College) where she first majored English, then shifted to Zoology. She continued studying at the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory and at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1932 where Rachel was awarded her Master of Science in Zoology. Rachel was also a writer and has published many books.

• Editor-in-Chief
After teaching at University of Maryland for five years, Rachel Carson was hired by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for her to write radio- scripts during the Great Depression. Rachel also writes history articles for the Baltimore Sun. After 15 years of federal service as an editor and scientist, Rachel was promoted to be the editor-in-chief for all the publications of United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

• Rachel Carson’s Death
Rachel Carson’s battle for her life started while she was writing Silent Spring; Rachel was diagnosed for breast cancer. After the publication of her work, she became ill from the disease. Rachel died in her home in Silver Spring, Maryland on April 14, 1964.

• National Wildlife Refuge
The Coastal Maine National Wildlife Refuge was renamed to Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in October 28, 1969 and was formally dedicated to her on June 27, 1970 in order to give honor to the late world-renowned marine biologist, writer and environmentalist.

• Rachel’s Awards
Rachel had been awarded many honors including the 1980 Presidential Medal of Freedom, World Report’s include Rachel as one of the 25 Americans Who Shaped the Modern Era, and chosen by American Heritage as one of the 20 Greatest Innovators of the Century.

Listed below are some of Rachel Carson’s beloved works:
• A Battle in the Clouds (1918) – Rachel’s writing career started when she was only 10 years old. A Battle in the Clouds was her first story and was published in the St. Nicholas Magazine in September 1918.

• The Sea around Us (1951) – The Sea around Us is the award-winning book of Rachel Carson. In 1952, this book has won the National Book Award and the 1952 Nonfiction Award. This book was also stayed at the non-fiction best-seller list for over 86 consecutive weeks. Many people had been surprised knowing that a non-fiction work of science would be popular and a best-seller.

• The Edge of the Sea (1955) – Another work of Rachel Carson, The Edge of the Sea this book followed The Sea around Us and was transferred the story from the sea to the shore. It demonstrated the beauty of coral reefs, sandy beaches, and rocky shores. A work with science and poetry combined.

• Silent Spring (1962) – Silent Spring, one of the most controversial books of the 20th century, exposed the excessive use and effects of chemical pesticides both on the environment and humans. As a result, congressional hearings had been made in 1963 and President John F. Kennedy, the current president at that time, formed a special group to investigate the use and control of pesticides. This book harvests many awards and among the many are the Spirit of Achievement Award from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the Cullum Geographical Medal from the American Geographical Society, and a Carey-Thomas Honorable Mention for 1962’s most distinguished publication.