Saving Florida

"Gives long-overdue recognition to the women who shaped the state's environmental movement and saved Florida's water, land, and quality of life from worse destruction."—Cynthia Barnett, author of Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis

"Highlights the overlooked role of women in Florida’s environmental leadership. This is an exciting, important book."—Buddy MacKay, former governor of Florida

"A brilliant exposition of the varied types of talent it takes to fight the battles, wars and votes which must be undertaken if even a fraction of Florida's heritage is to be saved."—Victoria Tschinkel, vice chairperson, 1000 Friends of Florida

"Shows how passionate, strong minded, independent women did what was necessary to change the hearts and minds of policy makers to keep our air and water healthy."—Clay Henderson, former president, Florida Audubon Society

"Poole's portraits of these indomitable women, many of them previously unknown, could well inspire the next generation of activists."—Judith G. Poucher, author of State of Defiance: Challenging the Johns Committee's Assault on Civil Liberties

“Makes significant contributions to the broader fields of American history and environmental history by continually placing the actions of Florida women within the context of activists, groups, and events across the country.”—American Historical Review

“Poole’s chapters open with arresting stories that evoke Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. . . . Highlights how numerous women contributed significantly to improving, conserving, and protecting Florida’s abundant natural resources.”—Environmental History

“Poole also shines the spotlight on less familiar figures, women who fought tirelessly for clean air and clean water, who led efforts to beautify the cities and conserve the native forests, and who pushed for and were instrumental in establishing the first state park and the first national wildlife refuge.”—Choice

"A serious academic dealing with women’s role in preserving Florida’s natural assets, but it also contains the elements of a horror story. . . .It is truly a miracle that any of Florida’s natural environments has survived into the 21st century. . .[and] Leslie Kemp Poole deserves praise for her copious research and for creating a highly readable account of the role of women in preserving Florida’s unique natural resources."—St. Augustine Record

“Engaging and interesting, Saving Florida fills substantial historical gaps and acknowledges influential, often neglected, environmental voices. . . . It could inspire a new generation of activists who, like those Poole depicts, transformed Florida and the nation.”—Oxford University Press Journal