Celebrating Women Leaders in Environmental Conservation

Women have been at the forefront of the environmental and conservation movements, shaping policy, inspiring action, and driving meaningful change. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the New York League of Conservation Voters is proud to recognize the contributions of these leaders whose dedication and vision have helped protect our planet for generations to come.

One of the most iconic figures is Rachel Carson, whose groundbreaking book Silent Spring exposed the dangers of pesticides, leading to the ban of DDT and the eventual creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Her courageous advocacy sparked a wave of environmental awareness that continues to shape policy today.

Across the globe, Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, founded the Green Belt Movement, which empowered women to lead reforestation efforts. The movement has planted millions of trees, restored degraded landscapes, and improved the livelihoods of countless women in Kenya, while promoting sustainable resource management.

Closer to home, Fran Mainella made history as the first woman to serve as Director of the National Park Service. Under her leadership, the agency increased its focus on sustainability and worked to engage diverse communities in park stewardship—helping to make public lands more accessible and inclusive.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist and oceanographer, has dedicated her career to safeguarding the world’s oceans. Her tireless advocacy has brought global attention to the need for marine conservation and the protection of endangered aquatic species.

Similarly, Jane Goodall revolutionized our understanding of primate behavior through her research on chimpanzees. Her lifelong commitment to conservation has inspired millions and raised awareness about the urgent need to protect habitats and wildlife around the world.

Protecting and Expanding Access to New York State Parks and Public Lands

Bernadette Castro, appointed by Governor George Pataki, left a lasting mark on the state’s parks and recreation system. Carol Ash, who led the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) from 2007 to 2010, spearheaded infrastructure restoration projects, including the creation of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.

Following in their footsteps, Rose Harvey served as OPRHP Commissioner from 2011 to 2019, overseeing the largest capital infusion in state parks in generations. Under her leadership, park visitation increased by 23 percent, and the ambitious 750-mile Empire State Trail was launched—creating greater access to New York’s natural beauty.

Of course there was Joan Kaplan Davidson, the first woman to head OPRHP, whose visionary leadership left an indelible mark on New York’s parks system. Appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1993, Davidson championed the preservation and enhancement of the state’s natural and cultural treasures. Her unwavering commitment to conservation continues to inspire women leaders in the field today.

The contributions of women to the environmental movement—whether through groundbreaking research, bold policy leadership, or grassroots activism—have been transformative. Their work reminds us that diverse leadership is not only necessary but vital to tackling the climate crisis and protecting our planet for future generations.

This Women’s History Month, let us celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped—and continue to shape—our environmental legacy.