Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to recognize the countless contributions of women across all walks of life. It’s a time to shine a light on stories of innovation, activism, and progress—especially those that might not always make the headlines. In the world of conservation, women have long been at the forefront of preserving the natural wonders we love, even if they haven’t always received the same recognition as their male counterparts.
Below, we’ll explore a few influential figures who changed the face of environmental conservation. We’ll also look at how women’s roles in conservation have evolved over the years—and how HawkWatch International is proud to be part of this promising shift.
A Look Back: Women Who Paved the Way
While men have often been highlighted in the history of the conservation movement, women were also making important strides—both behind the scenes and in the public eye—leading pivotal campaigns to preserve endangered species and fragile habitats. While many women have made lasting impacts on this field, we’re highlighting a few whose work directly connects to what we do at HawkWatch International and continues to inspire our mission. Their dedication to wildlife research, advocacy, and habitat protection has not only influenced the broader conservation movement but also echoes in our work on raptor monitoring and ecosystem preservation today.
Harriet Hemenway and the Fashion Statement That Sparked a Movement
An early and impactful figure in conservation was Harriet Lawrence Hemenway, who helped curb the devastating feather trade in the late 19th century. At a time when bird feathers were a fashionable adornment on women’s hats, species like egrets and herons were being decimated. Realizing the cruelty and ecological harm behind this trend, Hemenway and her cousin Minna B. Hall organized social gatherings in Boston to persuade society women to stop wearing feathered hats.
Their efforts paved the way for the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896 and inspired a network of Audubon groups nationwide. Ultimately, this grassroots movement helped influence laws that protected birds from the plume trade, proving that local activism can spark lasting, national change.
Rosalie Edge and the Push for Raptor Conservation
Another pioneering conservationist, Rosalie Edge, distinguished herself by founding Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in 1934. Disturbed by the mass shooting of raptors along Pennsylvania’s Kittatinny Ridge, she recognized the need for a safe haven where birds of prey could migrate without danger.
Edge used her own funds to purchase the land that would become Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, turning the area from a notorious hunting site into a protected refuge for hawks, eagles, and falcons. Beyond simply establishing a sanctuary, she lobbied relentlessly for stricter regulations on raptor hunting. Her legacy extends further still —her advocacy led to broader wildlife protections across the United States and inspired countless citizens to rethink the value of birds of prey.
Frances Hamerstrom and the Science of Raptor Tracking
Frances Hamerstrom was a trailblazer in wildlife conservation, breaking barriers as the first woman to earn a master’s degree in wildlife management. A dedicated ornithologist and conservationist, she played a pivotal role in raptor research, becoming one of the first biologists to mark birds of prey with uniquely identifying color bands. This innovation helped scientists track individual birds over time, providing critical insights into migration patterns, survival rates, and population dynamics.
Hamerstrom’s work, particularly her efforts in preserving the endangered Greater Prairie-chicken, set a precedent for conservation biology and demonstrated the power of persistence in a male-dominated field.
Rachel Carson and the Awakening of Environmental Awareness
When Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962, it signaled a turning point in environmental consciousness. By exposing the detrimental effects of pesticides like DDT on birds, insects, and potentially humans, Carson galvanized the American public and policymakers. Facing fierce criticism from chemical companies, she nonetheless maintained her stance, rooted in meticulous research. Carson’s work led to the eventual ban of DDT in the United States and spurred the modern environmental movement, inspiring legislation to protect air, water, and endangered species. She demonstrated that accessible science communication can rally collective action.
Rachel’s work also influenced HawkWatch International’s very own founder, Steve Hoffman. After reading Silent Spring and visiting Hawk Mountain, Steve was inspired to replicate raptor migration monitoring efforts in the western United States—where raptors were previously thought not to migrate through.
Mollie Beattie and the Power of Conservation Policy
Mollie Beattie was a steadfast defender of the Endangered Species Act, recognizing it as a vital tool for protecting wildlife and their habitats. As the first woman to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, she fought to strengthen conservation policies and added more than 100 species to the endangered list. Beattie believed in preserving entire ecosystems, not just individual animals, and worked to expand the National Wildlife Refuge System to give nature the space it needed to recover. Her leadership helped shape American conservation, laying the groundwork for ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and restore habitats.
Women in Conservation Today
Thanks to the courage and determination of these earlier pioneers, women’s presence in conservation has grown steadily. From field researchers in remote corners of the world to policymakers in government agencies, women continue to shape how we protect the planet. In fact, many conservation programs now prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that having a wide range of voices leads to better problem-solving and more innovative approaches.
However, challenges remain. Even though more women are entering science-based roles, they still face barriers in certain leadership positions and specialized fields. Some cultures also place social restrictions on women’s involvement in public life, which can limit their impact on environmental decision-making. Still, the trajectory is positive, and with each passing generation, more women are stepping into leadership roles and advocating for sustainable futures.
Representation at HawkWatch International
At HawkWatch International, we’re proud to be a woman-led organization, with Nikki Wayment serving as our Executive Director for six years. We’ve also brought on many women-identifying staff, representing 75% of our team—with more women in science-based roles than ever before. Similarly, 60% of our board of directors are women. While these statistics are certainly not the norm across our field, we’re excited about this development and hopeful for the future. This shift, along with similar observations from other conservation-focused organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, illustrates the broader progress we’ve seen in conservation.
We believe that just as in nature, diversity in the workforce fosters adaptability, resilience, and well-being. We strive to build a team that reflects the stakeholders and communities we serve and the places we work. Our goal is to create an environment where each team member feels valued, respected, and empowered in their work.
Support Our Mission
At HawkWatch International, we combine science, education, and hands-on conservation to safeguard hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures, and other birds of prey. We’d love for you to learn more about our raptor monitoring programs, explore volunteering opportunities, or check out our educational offerings. Your support helps ensure that future generations of conservationists can protect these incredible creatures and the ecosystems we share.
HawkWatch International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raptor research and conservation. We strive to conserve our environment through education, long-term monitoring, and scientific research on raptors as indicators of ecosystem health. Whether through donations, volunteer opportunities, or simply spreading the word, your involvement can make a difference in preserving our natural world. Support our work today, help protect these incredible birds, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of hawkwatching!
