A Force for Nature

The world has collectively mourned this past week upon hearing about the passing of Jane Goodall. Few individuals have influenced the conservation field as profoundly as she has. Many, including myself, were motivated to pursue careers in wildlife conservation during a period when women were still underrepresented in the field. Many of us recall eagerly awaiting the next issue of National Geographic as a primary source of knowledge and inspiration about our planet. Jane Goodall broke new ground in ways that no one else could. Her legacy will undoubtedly endure through the millions influenced by her research, writings, activism, and commitment to environmental education.

Trey and I watched the Netflix documentary "Famous Last Words" today. It was fantastic. It reminded me of my time with her in Montana. It was 1997, and although it feels like a different world now, those four days were amazing. I had invited her to speak at the Montana Environmental Education Association's annual conference in Billings. We organized school visits to promote her Roots and Shoots program and rented the largest convention space available for her keynote. It was a whirlwind few days, but the memories are lasting.

Jane Goodall was not only a pioneering scientist who enlightened the scientific community about the realities of the natural world, but she also embraced and exemplified how to observe and marvel at nature in our own backyards.

Her entire life was uniquely dedicated to her mission. She consistently stayed focused on her objectives, and her legacy will carry on the significant work she started many years ago. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time with her.

In her words:

“If only we can overcome cruelty, to human and animal, with love and compassion we shall stand at the threshold of a new era in human moral and spiritual evolution ― and realize, at last, our most unique quality: humanity.”

— Jane Goodall

On stage with Jane Goodall

Visiting schools in Montana