John F. Lacey: Champion for Birds and Wildlife
Other Conservation Leaders
of Lacey's Day

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William T. Hornaday of Iowa
Hornaday reached great fame for his work in preserving native species, especially the Bison. He also was noted for his work at the Smithsonian, National Zoo, and Bronx Zoo. Like Lacey, William T. Hornaday grew up along the Des Moines River valley. His love of conservation blossomed as he grew up on a farm in Marion County, Iowa. Before going to Iowa State College, Hornaday attended Oskaloosa College to take courses in zoology, botany, surveying, and map making.

Gifford Pinchot
Pinchot and Lacey saw eye to eye on most forestry issues, but they disagreed on just about all other conservation matters. Pinchot was a "practical conservationist" or utilitarian, who believed in the conservation of natural resources, such as timber and coal. Utilitarians saw no need for scenic preservation, parks, or unspoiled wilderness areas. Pinchot himself seemed to be absolutely incapable of appreciating the scenic grandeur of the outdoors. The "aesthetic conservationists," or preservationists, believed in the protection of scenic areas, parklands, and wildlife in permanent preserves. John Muir and William Hornaday epitomized this type of conservationist. Unfortunately these two groups could not get along and they became more and more polarized over the years. Pinchot was largely responsible for this factionalism of the conservation movement due to his uncompromising attitude and strong handed actions. Unfortunately, the factionalism led to a weakening of the entire conservation movement in the 1910s.

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