The Wildness Within: Remembering David Brower, Conservation Giant

The Wildness Within: Remembering David Brower

by Kenneth Brower

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
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David Brower, one of the most influential environmentalists of the 20th century, dedicated his life to preserving the wild places of America. As the first executive director of the Sierra Club, he led the fight to protect some of the nation's most iconic landscapes, including Yosemite Valley, the Grand Canyon, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Brower's legacy is immense, and his work has had a profound impact on the conservation movement.

Early Life and Influences

David Brower was born in 1912 in Berkeley, California. His father was a professor of astronomy, and his mother was a nature lover who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Brower spent his childhood exploring the hills and canyons around Berkeley, and he developed a lifelong love of hiking and camping.

In 1933, Brower enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied forestry. He was soon drawn to the Sierra Club, a conservation organization founded by John Muir in 1892. Brower became an active member of the club, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming its president in 1941.

The Sierra Club Years

As president of the Sierra Club, Brower led the fight to protect Yosemite Valley from a proposed dam. The dam would have flooded the valley, destroying its iconic waterfalls and cliffs. Brower and his allies mounted a vigorous campaign against the dam, and they ultimately succeeded in defeating it.

Brower also led the Sierra Club's efforts to protect the Grand Canyon from a proposed dam. The dam would have flooded the canyon, creating a reservoir that would have destroyed its unique geological features. Brower and his allies fought against the dam for years, and they eventually succeeded in blocking it.

Brower's work with the Sierra Club helped to raise awareness of the importance of conservation. He was a gifted writer and photographer, and he used his talents to promote the cause of wilderness protection. Brower's books and articles helped to inspire a new generation of conservationists, and they continue to be influential today.

The Wilderness Act

In 1964, Brower played a key role in the passage of the Wilderness Act. The act designated millions of acres of land as wilderness, providing them with the highest level of protection. The Wilderness Act was a major victory for the conservation movement, and it has helped to preserve some of the most iconic landscapes in America.

Environmental Defense Fund

In 1970, Brower left the Sierra Club to found the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). EDF is a non-profit environmental organization that uses law, science, and economics to protect the environment. Brower led EDF for many years, and he helped to establish it as one of the most effective environmental organizations in the world.

Legacy

David Brower died in 2000, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most influential environmentalists of the 20th century. His work helped to protect some of the most iconic landscapes in America, and he inspired a new generation of conservationists. Brower's legacy will continue to inspire and motivate people for generations to come.

David Brower was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to protecting the wild places of America. His work has had a profound impact on the conservation movement, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate people for generations to come.

The Wildness Within: Remembering David Brower

by Kenneth Brower

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE