<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Rachel Carson introduced the "common"
American to many of the ecological and environmental concepts that many
of us take for granted today. She wrote about important scientific
issues (i.e. pesticide risks) in an easy-to-read style that anyone could
understand. To honor the 100th anniversary of Rachel Carson's birth,
the US FWS is sponsoring an on-line book club to discuss the works she
authored and the issues she raises therein. The book club is open
to all.</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">(Pardon cross-postings.)</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">THE BOOK CLUB</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Rachel Carson is considered by many
to be the mother of modern-day ecology. This year, to mark the 100th anniversary
of Rachel Carson’s birth, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will celebrate
the achievements of its most notable employee.</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">A highlight of the centennial celebration
is the Rachel Carson Online Book Club, beginning in March and continuing
through November 2007. The forum will focus on the life and work of Rachel
Carson including her role as a female leader in science and government.
Silent Spring, Carson’s most well known book which alerted the public
to the dangers of pesticides and sparked a firestorm of controversy in
its wake, will be showcased as well as some of her lesser known texts on
the sea, and the truly inspirational The Sense of Wonder. </font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Distinguished guest moderators will
participate in the online discussions. Author and Carson biographer, Linda
Lear will launch he first session on March 1. Each month, a moderator will
start the book discussion with an opening statement. Then, in dialogue
with book club participants, the moderator will provide weekly installments
and add comments on the discussion throughout the month. Discussions will
encompass current environmental issues like global warming and will extend
to personal attitudes toward the natural world. </font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">The Rachel Carson Online Book Club is
sponsored by The Friends of National Conservation Training Center (NCTC).
Participation in the online book club is open to everyone. </font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">For more information, please contact
Anne Roy, National Conservation Training Center at: Anne_Roy@fws.gov, or
Nancy Pollot, Oregon Fish & Wildlife Office at: Nancy_Pollot@fws.gov.
View the book club Web site: http://rcbookclub.blogspot.com</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">FOR MORE INFO ON RACHEL CARSEN, see:
http://www.fws.gov/rachelcarson/</font>
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