Andrea Hummel

On Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m., the Robson Friends of the Library, in cooperation with the Arizona Humanities Council, will host Hugh Grinnell in the Lecky Room. His program is called “Saving the American West: The Story of George Bird Grinnell.”

George Bird Grinnell was variously known as the Father of Glacier National Park and the Father of American Conservation. He has been honored for his conservation efforts by the naming of Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park. He also founded the first Audubon Society to protect non-game birds from extinction because of the use of feathers in the decoration of ladies’ hats.

Hugh Grinnell, a distant cousin of George Bird Grinnell, began his study of “the man called Bird” after accidentally discovering their connection. G.B. Grinnell was a frequent contributor to Forest and Stream newspaper which he eventually purchased, following his graduation from Yale in 1870. He was a friend of Teddy Roosevelt and greatly influenced Roosevelt’s conservation policies. Grinnell also tirelessly lobbied state and federal government for the creation and protection of national parks.

Hugh Grinnell’s presentation will allow the audience to accompany G.B. Grinnell and experience first-hand (viewing over 100 historical photos and hearing his own words) his activities and participation in the following:

1. Explorations and Expeditions:

1870 Marsh Paleontology – Expedition to the West; 1874 Custer Expedition to the Dakotas; and 1875 Ludlow Expedition to the Yellowstone area of Montana

2. The founding of the Audubon Society and writing editorials to save non-game birds

3. Making Important Acquaintances – Teddy Roosevelt, outdoorsman, N.Y. state assemblyman and United States President

Please join the Friends of the Library for this fascinating glimpse at early conservation efforts in this country.