M. Graham Netting facts for kids
M. Graham Netting (born in 1904, died in 1996) was a very important scientist. He was a herpetologist, which means he studied amphibians (like frogs and salamanders) and reptiles (like snakes and lizards). He also cared a lot about protecting nature and was part of the early environmental movement. For many years, from 1954 to 1975, he was the director of the famous Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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About M. Graham Netting
M. Graham Netting was born in a town called Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. He spent most of his career working at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. This museum is in Pennsylvania.
His Work at the Museum
From 1931 to 1954, Netting was the Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles. A curator is like a manager for a special collection. He was in charge of all the museum's amphibians and reptiles.
Discovering New Animals
In 1935, M. Graham Netting and another scientist, Leonard Llewellyn, made an exciting discovery. They found a new type of salamander. They named it the Cheat Mountain salamander. This special salamander is only found in West Virginia. Its scientific name, Plethodon nettingi, was given in honor of Netting.
Leading Science Groups
Netting was also a leader in the world of science. He was the Secretary of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists from 1931 to 1947. Later, he became the President of this important group from 1948 to 1950. This society helps scientists who study fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Protecting Nature
M. Graham Netting was very passionate about protecting nature. In the mid-1950s, he helped create a special outdoor science center. This place is called the Powdermill Nature Reserve. It is a field station for the Carnegie Museum.
He also helped start many groups that work to protect the environment in Pennsylvania. One of these important groups is the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. These groups work to save natural lands and wildlife.
Director of the Carnegie Museum
Netting became the Director of the Carnegie Museum in 1954. He led the museum for many years, until 1975. As director, he helped the museum grow and become even more important.
