PORTLAND (AP) – Maine is among at least a dozen states that plan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson, best-known for her landmark book, “Silent Spring.”

A centennial celebration will be held early next month at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells.

Carson, who had a summer cottage on Southport Island, died of breast cancer in 1964, two years after “Silent Spring” was published. The book focused on the misuse of pesticides, most notably DDT, and their impact on public health and the environment.

“She really challenged the status quo of the time, which was ‘better living through chemistry.’ She was challenging that,” said Gail Carlson, a visiting professor in environmental studies at Colby College who has been teaching Carson’s book for several years.

Many of Carlson’s students had never heard of Carson. And while “Silent Spring” may seem obsolete today, Carlson said its message is timeless.

“You can never be too young to be inspired by her… More people should know her full story, so they could maybe be reminded about what a pioneer she really was,” Carlson said.

After several years of inquiry sparked largely by “Silent Spring,” general use of DDT in the United States was banned 35 years ago. Carson, often credited with launching the modern-day environmental movement, left behind a legacy that still inspires generations of environmentalists, scientists and women.

In 1999, Carson was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. This year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where Carson was employed for more than 15 years, created an online book club that is a forum for people to discuss works by and about Carson.

The refuge in Maine that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Carson’s birth was established in 1966 and named for Carson in 1970. Her early books, including “The Edge of the Sea,” were largely inspired by Maine’s coast.

“Maine became her laboratory for the writing that she did,” said Martha Freeman, granddaughter of Dorothy Freeman, a close friend to Carson.

It was through her grandmother that Martha Freeman, now director of the State Planning Office, got to know Carson.

Carson would often take Freeman, her brother and Carson’s adopted son, Roger, to explore tidal pools and examine findings under the microscope. They also would take walks in the woods.

“It was fun to be with her,” Freeman said. “She was a quiet, gentle person.”

Copy the Story Link