The Upstate New York Man Who Changed Nature Conservation

John Burroughs is a name you probably don't know, but you should because not only was he a resident of Upstate New York, but he played a huge role in conservation efforts in the United States.

Born in the Catskill Mountains on April 3, 1837,  Burroughs would go on to become quite well-known as an American naturalist and nature essayist.

Burroughs had a big impact on the conservation movement in the United States because of his special way of writing. He shared his personal views of nature which were different from the usual scientific approach of naturalists.

Early Life and Career

As a kid on his family's farm, Burroughs developed a strong bond with nature and animals, which would have a massive impact on what he later did. Even though money problems made it hard for him to get more education, Burroughs worked as a teacher and always tried to learn more.

In 1860, Burroughs' essay "Expression" was printed in the Atlantic Monthly, and that was a huge moment for his writing career. Meeting important people like Walt Whitman also changed how he wrote and the topics he wrote about.

Career Highlights

During his lifetime, Burroughs held several jobs, including a bank examiner and of course, a writer. Through his friendship with Whitman, Burroughs was able to have a piece published called "Notes on Walt Whitman as Poet and Person" in 1867 which led to his first collection of nature essays called "Wake-Robin," being published in 1871.

Burroughs would eventually settle down at an estate he called Riverby and there, he continued to write and connect with like-minded people.  But writing wasn't all Burroughd did - he also had his fair share of adventures, such as traveling with Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Thomas Edison.

In 1903, Burroughs got involved in the "nature fakers controversy," which brought attention to how wildlife is represented in books and soon people across the United States were talking about it.

Legacy and Influence

Beyond being known for his writing, Burroughs had a large impact on the world of conservation. His essays, especially the ones that reflected on his experiences in the Catskill Mountains, were well-liked for their detailed descriptions and deep thoughts.

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Even after he died in 1921, Burroughs' work has continued to motivate writers and environmentalists which just goes to show how important it is to connect with nature on a personal level.