Planting Seeds for Action: FDR’s Role in Founding the National Wildlife Federation

By: Mary Langenau

National Wildlife Federation Steward, Chairperson for Hyde Park Garden Habitat,
Coordinator for Hyde Park Pollinator Pathway

Hyde Park’s very own Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency is remembered

and revered for many reasons. Arguably, FDR had one of the most difficult and
interesting presidential tenures⎯he led us through the Great Depression, Repeal of
Prohibition, Social Security Act, Pearl Harbor, and WWII, among other
monumental moments in our country’s history. I find it fascinating that alongside
his necessary focus on economic renewal and security during his presidency,
particularly during the Great Depression, he also brought environmental
conservation to the forefront via his famous “fireside chats.” Speaking directly
into the homes of American families between 1933 and 1944, he informed on the
programs, policies and ideas for recovery from the Great Depression; and in a time
of despair and uncertainty for our nation, he unified the American people, including
on the need to prioritize environmental stewardship and an appreciation for the
bountiful natural resources of our great nation.
President Roosevelt used his fireside chats to plant seeds for action, and he
made many meaningful contributions to improving America’s commitment to the
natural world, and in turn its future. First, FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps, or
CCC, program put hundreds of thousands of people to work on environmental
conservation projects. These projects created more access for Americans to get
out and enjoy America’s natural resources. Job layoffs and decreased work hours
resulted in Americans having less money to spend and more time to fill. Americans
were looking for inexpensive forms of recreation, and nature provided affordable
hobbies. The program and resulting uptick in recreational interests garnered the
attention of environmental conservationists.
One such conservationist, Jay N. ‘Ding’ Darling, was a famed political
cartoonist and advocate for environmental stewardship. He was concerned that
while people from all walks of life cared about wildlife conservation, there was no
organization advocating for or influencing conservation policy decisions in
government. Darling’s personal interests and activities as a wildlife enthusiast
connected him to a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts: farmers, hunters,
anglers, bird watchers, garden club members, who all came from varied political and
economic backgrounds. Darling saw the need to create a federation that would
promote conservation interests, encourage social diversity of multiple
stakeholders, and advocate for action from Congress.
As a result, in 1936, Darling convinced FDR to gather more than 2,000
conservationists from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the first North
American Wildlife Conference. FDR saw the potential in bringing together diverse
stakeholders. Beyond conservation and economic rewards, was the opportunity for
bringing people together to unite for a common cause. The General Wildlife
Federation was formed, and two years later the name was changed to what we now
know as, The National Wildlife Federation, or NWF. The NWF passed many laws
and policies at the national level.
Today, the NWF continues to unite Americans through habitat protection,
restoration, and management programs. Hyde Park participates in the NWF
Community Wildlife Habitat program by recruiting volunteers to enhance and
restore wildlife habitat. Volunteers promote, protect, and preserve healthy
gardening practices. They assist community members in creating and sustaining
healthy wildlife habitats on properties in, and surrounding Hyde Park.
Just as during FDR’s presidency, uncertainty and divide are relevant themes
that Americans are experiencing today. The story behind the creation of the NWF
brings us hope, as it is proof that people are in fact united by common interests,
and those interests can result in positive collaboration.
The NWF sponsored Hyde Park Garden Habitat group is an opportunity for
local citizens to continue FDR’s legacy of unity and dedication to collaboration for a
positive path forward, and I urge you to consider joining by registering your garden
today. It is an easy process, as any garden space located at a home, business,
school, park, place of worship or public common area in the Hyde Park Central
School District tax base can be certified by the NWF. Each certification moves
Hyde Park closer to receiving esteemed national recognition as a “Community
Wildlife Habitat,” a distinction that would tie our community’s present to our past,
and that I imagine FDR would be very proud of.
FB: @HydeParkGardenHabitat Email: hpgardenhabitat@yahoo.com