Celebrating Women's Contributions to U.S. National Parks
This week's podcast episode is out now: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bitchstory/episodes/Episode-69---Womens-History-and-the-National-Parks-e2ktds7
Listen to the Podcast on Spotify
One of the earliest and most influential advocates for the preservation of America's natural landscapes was Enos Mills, often called the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park." However, it was his wife, Esther Burnell Mills, who worked tirelessly alongside him. Esther's dedication to education and conservation helped ensure the establishment and long-term preservation of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Another pivotal figure was John Muir's daughter, Wanda Muir Hanna, who, inspired by her father's legacy, continued advocating for the preservation of California’s wilderness areas. As an aside - John Muir is a very polarizing figure due to his blatant racism at the time. However his writings on nature are worth reading. I point this out because his writings were beautiful and poetic AND because it is important to recognize racism in our history and not gloss over it. I worry that younger generations will be shielded from our racist history and not recognize the monster that is trying desperately to rise to great heights again in this country. Racism was common in his era...and it is now. And it cannot be excused. Some of the language he used is extremely harmful. And yet his significance in the environmental movement can't be ignored. So...it's complicated. Even the Sierra Club which he founded has wrestled with this. But obviously he influenced is daughter, we would hope mostly in positive ways, as her efforts, along with those of other women in her circle, laid the groundwork for future conservation movements.
The National Park Service (NPS), established in 1916, has seen numerous women rise through its ranks, significantly impacting the management and preservation of national parks. One notable figure is Claire Marie Hodges, who became the first female park ranger in 1918 at Yosemite National Park. Her trailblazing role paved the way for future generations of women in the NPS.
Another influential leader was Fran P. Mainella, the first woman to serve as the Director of the National Park Service. Appointed in 2001, Mainella’s tenure focused on increasing public engagement with parks, enhancing educational programs, and promoting the importance of conservation.
Several national parks and monuments honor the legacies of pioneering women, and these are the women of this week's podcast. There are 429 national parks and only 76 of them are named for or otherwise honor women. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland is one, and we cover that and several others in this week's episode (sorry, we didn't cover all 76). Just a couple months ago, the Biden Administration signed an executive order aimed at increasing recognition of outstanding women within the National Parks. The order mandates a review and identification of sites significant to women's contributions, aiming for a more inclusive representation. "During the Biden-Harris administration, the National Park Service has invested more than $19 million in infrastructure and preservation projects for parks commemorating women across the nation. These funds are supported by the NPS Centennial Challenge, the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, and the Great American Outdoors Act. Additionally, the Department has awarded $2.1 million in Historic Preservation Fund grants for sites that are helping tell women’s history through the following grant programs: History of Equal Rights, Underrepresented Communities, Saving America’s Treasures, and African American Civil Rights. " (https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/interior-department-celebrates-new-actions-to-honor-legacy-of-women-s-history.htm)
Women continue to lead and innovate within the NPS. Superintendent Cam Sholly of Yellowstone National Park and Jennifer Flynn, Associate Director of Visitor and Resource Protection, are just a few examples of women in high-ranking positions driving the future of national parks. Their work ensures that these natural treasures remain protected and accessible for future generations. So in your travels this summer, make sure you do some research on the area you'll be exploring and see what kind of women's history you can uncover there.
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/27/executive-order-on-recognizing-and-honoring-womens-history/
- https://www.nationalparks.org/theme/womens-history-in-national-parks
- https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/clara-barton.html
- https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mary-mcleod-bethune
- https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/1791664/rosie-the-riveter-inspired-women-to-serve-in-world-war-ii/
- https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman
- https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/maggie-lena-walker
- https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks/belmont-paul-womens-equality-national-monument
- https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/alice-paul
