John F. Lacey

Before Silent Spring...
Before Ding Darling...
Before Teddy Roosevelt...

There was Major John F. Lacey!

Here you can learn about this unsung hero -- the first strong Congressional voice for conservation in America. A century ago, he led the passage of legislation that still protects wilderness areas, wildlife, and migratory birds today! The lasting success of this "Iowa boy" in environmental policy should inspire us common folk to speak out for conservation today, too.

"The great cause--the protection of the forests, game, and the preservation of antiquities--had little interest to the average citizen of Iowa, but to the nation as a whole, in particular to generations yet to come, it will mean much. Today, we have him to thank for many of our scenic national parks and monuments, the vast national forest system, and the priceless federal wildlife refuges. We can see the results of his conservation efforts from coast to coast."
- Louis Pammel, the father of Iowa's state park program

Thanks to Greg Beisker and Jay Olson, who gathered and wrote most of the information contained on this website.