Editor’s Note: Episcopal Deaconess Harriet Bedell is also in the book — in the chapter about environmental justice for her work with native people in the Everglades.

Dr. Leslie Kemp Poole’s latest book, “Saving Florida: Women’s Fight For The Environment In The Twentieth Century”, is an eye opener for those who think women were not engaged outside the home until recent decades. Her book includes not only women who left a well recognized legacy in environmental spheres but also many lesser known who fought for and achieved unprecedented changes in how Floridians view their natural resources. Notably, many of these women were active even before they had the legal right to vote. One who should be of interest to Episcopalians was Mrs. Evangeline Whipple, wife of the Right Reverend Henry Whipple, an Episcopal Bishop who resided in Winter Park. In 1900, they were both founders of the Florida Audubon Society in response to the widespread killing of birds for feathers with which to decorate ladies hats. Evangeline served a term as Vice-President, as did her friend, Rose Cleveland, sister of former President Grover Cleveland.

On the one hand many of the women may have been considered upper-class or career women. On the other hand there were and continue to be those who identified themselves as housewives. Together they have fought to demand clean air and a clean environment for Florida. “Their advocacy not only made a difference in the creation of parks and the protection of the species”, writes Dr. Poole, “but in how we see our state and the natural world. These women are a testament to the power of grassroots activism and how seemingly powerless people can accomplish great things by working with others.”

The remarkable Dr. Poole was born into the fourth generation of her Florida family on a Christmas Eve. Her mother wanted to name her ‘Holly’ but her father wouldn’t agree to it, thus she became Leslie. Long interested in the role of women in the state’s environmental movement, she received a PhD in history from the University of Florida. She has won several awards for her historical research and writing. As a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, she was nominated for a Pulitzer when she wrote an expose entitled. “Florida’s Shame”. She begins the new school year as a full Professor in the Environmental Studies and History Department at Rollins College in Winter Park.

As a parishioner at St. Richard’s, she has taken charge of the Family Promise Program in which the church hosts several homeless families once a quarter. Additionally, she serves year round as a Lector during services.

Her favorite vacation spot is the town of Steinhatchee, west of Gainesville, on the Steinhatchee River. She, along with her husband, Michael, and their children have traditionally gone there on Labor Day weekends to enjoy fishing and snorkeling while welcoming the company of bald eagles, frigate birds and sea turtles.

You’ll find “Saving Florida” and her previous book, “Maitland”, in your local bookstore as well as on Amazon.