DEP Celebrates National Women's History Month

TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recognizes environmental guardian Marjorie Harris Carr during National Women’s History Month. Her tireless efforts towards environmental protection resulted in significant wildlife preservation and land conservation, including the Cross Florida Greenway and the Payne’s Prairie State Preserve.

Born in 1915 in Boston, Massachusetts, Carr moved to Florida in 1918 with her family. After graduating from Florida State University, she worked as a wildlife technician for the federal government. In 1942 she received a master's degree in zoology from the University of Florida. As one of the founding members of the Payne’s Prairie State Preserve, Carr helped advance protection of the scenic Ocklawaha River and Lake Alice on the campus of the University of Florida.

Carr’s most significant accomplishment was ending construction of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, a vast project crossing central Florida that threatened the area's ecosystem. She began raising awareness about the project in 1962, when it was first announced, and continued until the project was abandoned in 1971. In 1990, former President George H. Bush officially deauthorized the barge canal and created the Cross Florida Greenway State Recreation and Conservation Area. In 1996, Carr was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in recognition of her environmental stewardship.

“Marjorie Harris Carr was persistent and untiring in her efforts to protect Florida’s environment, working diligently for nearly 30 years to create the Cross Florida Greenway,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “National Women’s History Month gives us another opportunity to recognize her dedication to preserving the state’s natural resources for future generations.”

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a unique conservation and recreation project. Traversing Citrus, Levy, Marion and Putnam Counties, the 110-mile greenway occupies much of the land that was formerly the Cross Florida Barge Canal. Florida’s premier greenway, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, encompassing a variety of habitats and ecosystems and offering an array of trails and recreation areas for visitors.

The Office of Greenways & Trails manages eight state trails, including the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. DEP, through OGT, also maintains five rail-trails, which are railroad tracks restored and converted to recreational trails for hiking, biking and skating. Through Florida Forever, the state’s premier land acquisition program, $4.5 million is allocated annually to purchase land for future trail areas and build and maintain Florida’s greenways and trails.

Each year, the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) coordinates the observance of March as National Women’s History Month throughout the country. The NWHP originated this widely recognized celebration to ensure that the history of American women will be recognized and celebrated in schools, workplaces and communities throughout the nation.

For more information on National Women’s History Month visit www.nwhp.org. For more information on the Marjorie Carr Cross Florida Greenway visit www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com.