50th Anniversary of Silent Spring to be Commemorated in Laurel MD, September 29

Rachel Carson, USFWS
Rachel Carson, USFWS

(Washington, D.C., September 17, 2012) In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Silent Spring, Rachel Carson Council (RCC) and American Bird Conservancy (ABC) will be hosting a tribute to this great American classic and to its ground-breaking author, Rachel Carson.

This free, all-day event will feature presentations from eminent environmental scientists and a distinguished environmental historian. The program will highlight the influence of Silent Spring in the U.S. and internationally, and the continuing impact of pesticides and other environmental contaminants on wildlife, pets, and people today.  There will be information for students about careers in the environmental field.

The morning session, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will feature toxicologists, wildlife biologists, and researchers speaking on chemical threats to animals and to people, and sharing the factors that inspired them to seek green careers.

The afternoon session, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., will feature exhibits and environmental professionals speaking about their careers, including a green veterinarian, an organic farmer, the owner of an ecological pest control company, and the president of a company that produces insects for biological control.

When: Saturday, September 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: National Wildlife Visitor Center, Patuxent Research Refuge, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, Maryland 20708.

For additional information, visit abcbirds.org and RachelCarsonCouncil.org.