Lena Clemmons Artz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lena Clemmons Artz
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| Born | August 3, 1891 |
| Died | June 2, 1976 (aged 84) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | The College of William and Mary, A.B.; The George Washington University, M.A. |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Botany |
| Institutions | Virginia Public Schools |
| Author abbrev. (botany) | Artz |
Lena Clemmons Artz (born August 3, 1891 – died June 2, 1976) was an American botanist and teacher. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. Lena loved to study the plants of Virginia, especially those found in its mountain areas and unique places called shale barrens. She taught in schools for many years before focusing fully on her plant research.
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Her Early Life
Lena was born on August 3, 1891, in Woodstock, Virginia. She grew up on her family's farm with her five brothers and sisters. The farm was located near the Massanutten Mountains.
Even when she was young, Lena showed an interest in plants. In 1917, she wrote to a science magazine about some plant samples she had found. By 1920, Lena was working as a public school teacher.
Becoming a Scientist
Her Education
Lena Artz went to college when she was 35 years old. In 1927, she earned her first degree from The College of William & Mary. She was the first person in her family to go to college.
She was very active in student groups. Lena even became a leader in the Clayton-Grimes Biology Club. This club was where her interest in biology really grew.
Studying Virginia's Plants
In 1935, Lena earned her master's degree from George Washington University. For her master's project, she studied the plants of the "shale barrens" in the Massanutten Mountains. Shale barrens are special dry, rocky areas where only certain tough plants can grow. She looked at how these plants were spread out and how their roots grew.
After college, Lena joined several important science groups. She became a member of the Botanical Society of Washington and the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society. By 1941, she was teaching biology at Mt. Vernon High School. She also helped lead the student science club there.
After Teaching
Lena retired from teaching around 1942. She then moved to Waterlick, Virginia, which is in the Massanutten Mountains. After retiring, she spent even more time on her plant studies.
She joined more science groups, like the American Fern Society and the Ecological Society of America. In 1953, she was chosen as the first female vice-president of the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society. Lena also helped other botanists explore the mountains and collect plant samples for herbariums. A herbarium is like a library for dried plant specimens.
Lena was a very active member of the Virginia Academy of Science. She was honored for her lifetime of achievements on March 20, 1976. This was just a few months before she passed away. In 1978, she was recognized for her work in conservation. She was known as a great plant scientist and someone who cared deeply about protecting nature.
