Caroline C. “Carrie” Dormon was a renowned forest conservationist and one of the most influential American naturalists of the early 20th century. In an era when women had no role in forestry, she led the effort to establish the Kisatchie National Forest, developed forestry education materials for schools, and promoted support for forestry among civic and community leaders. In addition to her passion for forestry, Carrie advocated education and support for indigenous peoples, wrote important books and articles on native plants, promoted highway and landscape beautification using native plants, cultivated and hybridized native irises, and led the establishment of a State arboretum. She did not observe nature from a distance; she experienced the natural world—the weather, the elements, the living animals and plants—as a fellow being. This intimate relationship with nature as a coexisting part of it gave Carrie a distinct perspective that was hers alone.
