Rachel Carson was born May 27, 1907 in Springdale, Pennsylvania.  She grew up on a 65 acre farm and that is where she learned to love nature. Her house was filled with a lot of music and books.  She had a dream to be a famous book writer. When she was 10 she won her first writing award.  In college Rachel studied English.  But, in her junior year an inspiring teacher talked her into studying Zoology.  She taught Zoology because it seemed impossible for her to combine writing and science together.
    In 1958 Rachel got a letter from friends.  Their small sanctuary had been destroyed by air spraying of DDT.  Rachel thought something needed to be done.
    Rachel collected information and worked for 4 1/2 years.  Her work successfully stopped the use of DDT.  But, not until 1972 was DDT banned in the United States.  Rachel did not live to see that happen.
    Rachel Carson died on April 14, 1964 at the age of 56. Rachel, in her lifetime, helped to save nature and taught people about nature through her books.

By Derek

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