Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom: Wildlife Conservation Pioneers

by Susan Tupper

Learn how Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom worked to save the greater prairie chicken from extinction in the Wisconsin Historical Society Press’s new book for young readers, "Fran and Frederick Wildlife Conservation Pioneers." Fran and Frederick grew up in New England, and married in 1935. They both loved nature and wanted to dedicate their lives to understanding and preserving wildlife. As students of the famous naturalist, Aldo Leopold, they learned about new ways for humans to think about saving land for animals. Fran was a brave, outgoing woman who cared more about interacting with animals than wearing pretty dresses. Frederick was a calm, thoughtful man who loved to study and conduct research. Together, they spent over thirty years mentoring many future scientists, and working to save the greater prairie chicken, and other animals, from extinction. "Fran and Frederick Wildlife Conservation Pioneers" is the newest addition to the Society Press’s Badger Biographies Series.

136 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2016

Reviews

[Sara Tiede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating couple! The book is excellently tailored to its intended reading level, easy to read with vocab definitions right at the bottom of the page for quick reference. Still engaging to an older readership, as well. Highly recommended to young readers especially!

The description suggests a larger focus on their specific fight to save the greater prairie chicken, and while this is certainly part of their story, it is not the sole focus of the book. As a dual biography, the book has just a few chapters that focus mostly on the prairie chickens, but IS the story of two people dedicated to living in harmony with nature and learning all they can about the world around them, focusing more on their commitment to science and research, as well as, later, passing on their passion to a new generation.