American naturalist and conservationist Margaret (“Mardy”) Murie at her home in Moose, Wyoming, U.S., July 8, 1990. Source: Encyclopædia Britannica (Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Margaret Murie (1902-2003) was a conservationist, naturalist, and author. Affectionately known as Mardy, she has been known as the “Grandmother of the Conservation Movement”, and by far has also been the longest living conservationist. Together with her husband, Olaus Murie, they dedicated their lives to protect the Arctic Wildlife Range, as well as working towards the Wilderness Act. She has published several books, such as “Two in the Far North”, “Wapiti Wilderness”, and “Islands Between”. Her contributions and commitment to conservation have earned her various awards, such as the Audubon Medal, the John Muir Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the J.N. Ding Darling Conservationist of the Year Award.