Photo by Ed Grimes/FWS Date: May 19th, 2007 Jim Fowler with Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Lynn Scarlett at the National Wildlife Visitor Center

Wildlife expert and media celebrity Jim Fowler was joined by wildlife friends as well as Congressional and Government officials in the centennial celebration of the birth of Rachel Carson - scientist, author and pioneer in the environmental movement.  The public was invited to participate in a variety of events including a ceremony that featured Government and Congressional dignitaries (as well as a bald eagle) followed by a day filled with activities on May 19^th at the Patuxent Research Refuge's National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel, MD. The celebration was sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Rachel Carson Council.   

Government officials and dignitaries present at the ceremony were: President of the Rachel Carson Council, Inc. Dr. Diana Post, Deputy Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System Mr. Jim Kurth, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey Dr. Mark Myers, Ms. Heather Campbell representing Senator Benjamin Cardin, Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources Mr. Eric Schwaab representing Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Ms. Lynn Scarlett, Congressman John Sarbanes and retired Representative Paul Sarbanes.  After the "Sense of Wonder" ceremony, families were able to explore nature and stir up their sense of wonder at programs and activities featuring live animals, hands-on activities, exploratory nature hikes, habitat tram tours and more.  Refreshments were sold at the "Crane Café" sponsored by Friends of Patuxent

Other activities honoring Rachel Carson's legacy included displays, exhibits, weekend films and a lecture series. The USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center sponsored a Scientific Lecture Series at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on Thursday and Friday, May 17^th and 18^th.  The lectures, "Where have we been, where are we now, and where are we going," discussed Carson's career, legacy and current issues in contaminant ecology and wildlife conservation.