Marjory Stoneman Douglas: The Voice of the River

Marjory Stoneman Douglas was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to protecting and conserving Florida's natural resources. She became known as the "Voice of the River" due to her tireless efforts in advocating for the preservation of the Everglades, one of the most unique and delicate ecosystems on Earth.

Early Life and Career

Marjory Stoneman Douglas was born on April 7, 1890, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment, with parents who valued education and social consciousness. Her father was a newspaper publisher and her mother was an advocate for women's suffrage.

After completing her education, Douglas moved to Miami, Florida, in 1915. She became involved in the local community and started working as a journalist for the Miami Herald. Her sharp intellect, strong writing skills, and deep passion for the environment quickly became evident in her articles.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas: Voice of the River

by Marjory Stoneman Douglas (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	2003 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

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The Call of the Everglades

It was in the early 20th century that Marjory Stoneman Douglas became captivated by the beauty and complexity of the Florida Everglades. While many people saw the Everglades as an inhospitable swamp that needed to be drained for development purposes, Douglas saw it as a unique ecosystem and a vital part of the state's natural heritage.

In 1947, Douglas published her seminal work, "The Everglades: River of Grass". The book explored the history, ecology, and importance of the Everglades and became a beacon for environmentalists. It helped change the perception of the Everglades from a worthless swamp to a national treasure in need of protection.

Environmental Activism

Marjory Stoneman Douglas was a pioneer in the field of environmental activism. She co-founded the Friends of the Everglades in 1969, an organization committed to the preservation and restoration of the Everglades. Through her writing, public speaking, and political lobbying, Douglas raised awareness about the importance of protecting the Everglades and fought tirelessly for its conservation.

Her efforts led to significant changes in public opinion and governmental policies. Douglas played a key role in preventing the construction of a jetport in the Everglades, which would have irreparably damaged the ecosystem. She also fought against pollution, invasive species, and water diversion projects that threatened the delicate balance of the region.

Legacy

Marjory Stoneman Douglas left an indelible mark on Florida and the field of environmental conservation. Her influential work and activism earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which she received in 1993.

Today, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy. The school became tragically famous in 2018 when a mass shooting took place, claiming the lives of 17 students and staff. The incident sparked a nationwide debate on gun control and highlighted the need for effective mental health support.

While Marjory Stoneman Douglas fought for the preservation of the natural world, her legacy now also encompasses the fight for the safety and well-being of future generations. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Voice of the River Foundation continues her work, addressing environmental issues and advocating for policies that protect both people and nature.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas: Voice of the River

by Marjory Stoneman Douglas (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2003 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

FREE

Born in Minnesota in 1890 and raised and educated in Massachusetts, Marjory Stoneman Douglas came to Florida in 1915 to work for her father, who had just started a newspaper called the Herald in a small town called Miami. In this "frontier" town, she recovered from a misjudged marriage, learned to write journalism and fiction and drama, took on the fight for feminism and racial justice and conservation long before those causes became popular, and embarked on a long and uncommonly successful voyage into self-understanding. Way before women did this sort of thing, she recognized her own need for solitude and independence, and built her own little house away from town in an area called Coconut Grove. She still lives there, as she has for over 40 years, with her books and cats and causes, emerging frequently to speak, still a powerful force in ecopolitics.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas begins this story of her life by admitting that "the hardest thing is to tell the truth about oneself" and ends it stating her belief that "life should be lived so vividly and so intensely that thoughts of another life, or a longer life, are not necessary." The voice that emerges in between is a voice from the past and a voice from the future, a voice of conviction and common sense with a sense of humor, a voice so many audiences have heard over the years—tough words in a genteel accent emerging from a tiny woman in a floppy hat—which has truly become the voice of the river.