Marjory Stoneman Douglas was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 7, 1890. She was the daughter of the first publisher of the Miami Herald, which was originally called the Miami Evening Record. Growing up in a family with ties to journalism, she developed a passion for writing and advocacy from a young age.
After graduating from Wellesley College in 1912, Douglas worked for a short time as a teacher. However, her true calling was in journalism, and she eventually moved to Miami to work for the Miami Herald. She started as a society reporter but quickly transitioned to becoming an editorial columnist, using her platform to advocate for racial equality, women's suffrage, and environmentalism.
Douglas's most enduring legacy lies in her tireless efforts to preserve the Florida Everglades. In 1947, she published her seminal work, The Everglades: River of Grass, which aimed to correct misconceptions about the wetlands and raise awareness of their importance. The book coincided with the opening of Everglades National Park, further cementing her status as a champion of conservation.
Throughout her career, Douglas fought against efforts to drain the Everglades for development purposes. She believed strongly in the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need to protect natural habitats for future generations. Her advocacy work laid the groundwork for modern environmental movements and inspired countless individuals to take up the cause of conservation.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas's father's influence as the publisher of the Miami Herald undoubtedly shaped her career path. She followed in his footsteps by using her writing to effect change and shine a light on important issues facing society.
While Edward Abbey was another noted environmentalist who used his writing to shape public opinion, Douglas's impact was uniquely focused on the preservation of a specific natural wonder: the Florida Everglades. Her dedication to this cause continues to inspire environmental activists to this day.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas passed away on May 14, 1998, but her legacy lives on through her writings and advocacy work. Her contributions to the conservation movement remain as relevant and vital as ever, serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.