For most national park enthusiasts, a who’s who of early park champions might include names like John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt and Stephen Mather, among others. One notable omission from that list is a truly fearless and outspoken suffragist turned environmental activist who left behind a considerable conservation legacy ― all while remaining largely unknown to park supporters today.

Host Todd Christopher travels to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary ― the world’s first refuge for birds of prey ― to talk with sanctuary president Sean Grace about Rosalie Edge’s vision there, and speaks with biographer Dyana Furmansky to better understand what drove this remarkable woman and the sizable conservation legacy she left behind. 

Original theme music by Chad Fischer

Episode 48: “Of Hawks and Hellcats” was produced by Todd Christopher

The Secret Lives of Parks is brought to you by: 

Todd Christopher – Producer & Host 

Bev Stanton – Online Producer

The Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.9 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation’s only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org