Environmental Science Quiz: Conservationists and Actions

Famous Conservationists

• John J. Audubon (1785-1851) was an ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He documented birds of North America, creating detailed paintings and descriptions. His work was published in 1842, and the National Audubon Society was named in his honor in 1905.

• Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was a zoologist and marine biologist. She was concerned about the use of pesticides and highlighted their environmental impact in her book Silent Spring (1962). Her work advocated for responsible pesticide use. In 1980, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) is considered the "father of wildlife management". He was an ecologist, forester, and environmentalist. He advocated for wilderness protection and is credited with foundational work for environmental ethics, notably with his book A Sand County Almanac which spurred a widespread interest in ecology. He founded the Wilderness Society in 1933.

• John Muir (1838-1914) was a Scottish-born naturalist, author, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness. He founded the Sierra Club in 1892 and actively campaigned for the protection of Yosemite Valley, including its incorporation into a national park. His picture is featured on the 2005 California quarter.

• Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946) was the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service. He played a key role in the management and conservation of forests in the US under President Theodore Roosevelt. Geographic areas have been named in his honor.

• Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was the 26th president of the US. He was a naturalist and championed conservation, setting aside a vast amount of land for national parks and nature preserves. He worked with Gifford Pinchot.

• Izaak Walton (1593-1683) was an English author whose book The Compleat Angler is about the strategy of fishing. The Izaak Walton League of America, a conservation organization, is named after him.

• Gaylord Anton Nelson (1916-2005) was an American politician and environmentalist. He was a United States Senator and Governor, known for founding Earth Day in a significant moment for environmental activism.

Laws, Regulations, and Government Involvement

• Laws and regulations concern federal, state, and local levels. Sources for information include US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Pennsylvania Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, and state conservation agencies.

• Federal & state laws: Legislation such as the Clean Water Act (1972), Pollution Prevention Act (1990), Endangered Species Act (1973) have specific purposes for environmental standards, control, and conservation.

• PA State Agencies: The PA Game Commission, and PA Fish and Boat Commission are examples of state agencies focused on management and conservation; while the DCNR and other conservation agencies regulate.

County Government and Programs

• Various county programs, like the York County Parks Department and York County Conservation District manage and preserve natural resources. The York County Solid Waste Authority (YCSWA) focuses on recycling and waste management.

Federal Agencies

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement of environmental protection activities.

Conservation at the Municipal Level

• Several organizations, such as Environmental Advisory Councils, Local Watershed Organizations, and Local Sportsmen's Clubs, engage at the local level in conservation initiatives, educating citizens, developing community plans, and implementing programs for environmental protection.

History of Earth Day

• Earth Day emerged as a response to environmental concerns, particularly regarding pollution and the negative impacts of industrialization. Senator Gaylord Nelson and others helped to launch Earth Day in 1970, and it continued to be a global event that brought attention and focused action on environmental concerns.

Recycling Facts and Figures

• Recycling statistics about various materials (trash, aluminum, steel, paper, and plastics) are presented with interesting amounts, such as the number of trees saved, oil conserved, and other environmental impacts.

Vocabulary

• Various terms related to conservation, recycling, and environmental concepts are defined.