Gladys Black facts for kids

Gladys Bowery Black (1909–1998) was an American bird scientist, a person who works to protect nature, and a writer. She was known as "Iowa's Bird Lady." In 1985, she was honored by being added to the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Learning

Gladys Bowery was born on January 4, 1909. She grew up on a farm near Pleasantville, Iowa. Her mother taught her about watching birds when she was very young.

Gladys went to Pleasantville High School. She then studied nursing and became a public health nurse. This meant she helped people stay healthy in different parts of the state.

She married Wayne Black. They moved to Georgia, where Wayne worked. Gladys continued her public health work and also volunteered a lot.

Working with Birds

While living in Georgia, Gladys started working with a bird professor named David Ware Johnston. He taught her how to set up a bird-banding program. This is where scientists put small, light bands on birds' legs to track their movements and learn about them.

After her husband passed away in 1956, Gladys moved back to Pleasantville, Iowa. She joined the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Even though she didn't go to college for bird science, she spent more than 30 years studying birds in Iowa. She identified different bird types, kept lists of them, and taught people about birds. She also taught about important topics like protecting the places where birds live.

From 1969 to 1987, Gladys wrote a weekly newspaper column about birdwatching. These columns appeared in several newspapers, including The Des Moines Register. Many of her columns were later put into her book, Iowa Birdlife (1992). This book was a team effort with the Nature Conservancy and the University of Iowa Press.

Gladys also led nature walks for children. She gave talks about birds and protecting nature to groups all over Iowa.

In 1978, Simpson College gave Gladys an honorary doctorate degree. This was to recognize her great work in teaching the public and her knowledge of how American birds migrate and build nests. She received many other awards too. These included an award for her efforts to teach about conservation around Lake Red Rock in 1978. She was also chosen as a Fellow of the Iowa Academy of Science in 1983. In 1989, the governor of Iowa recognized her for 35 years of volunteer work.

Gladys Black was also a talented woodcarver. In 1968, one of her bird carvings was shown in an art exhibition.

Gladys Black passed away at her home on July 19, 1998.

Gladys Black's Legacy

Gladys Black's work continues to be honored. In 2004, the Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge was created. This refuge was built with donations and is located in Marion County, Iowa. It's a special place where bald eagles gather.

Also, the Gladys Black Environmental Education Project was started. This project helps people use and enjoy Iowa's natural areas. It also supports efforts to teach about and protect the environment.