Women in Forestry: A working list

In light of International Women's Day, I've highlighted some of the women that have been leaders in forestry - whether they assumed roles that were previously dominated by men or in some way made it that much easier for women to enter the male-dominated field.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a start.

Mona Roy (UNBArchives)

Mona Roy

In 1948, Mona Roy became the first woman to graduate from a forestry program in Canada and in 1950, broke another record as the first woman to complete an MSc in forestry. 

"Those with the idea that Forestry is strictly for men, can change their minds, for Mona can swing the axe and give the Forester's yell with the best of them."

Marie Rauter (OFIA)

Marie Rauter

Marie Rauter was the first woman to enrol and graduate from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Forestry (the oldest forestry faculty in Canada). Rauter later completed an MSc in forest genetics and in 1999 was awarded the Canadian Forestry Achievement Award.

"Find a job to get paid doing whatever your hobby is. I've had the greatest life. I don't think I could have chosen a better profession."

Gail Kimbell (US Forest Service

Gail Kimbell

Gail Kimbell was the first chief of the United States Forest Service.

"I remember what it was like in 1969. It was the year of Woodstock—the year of the first moon landing—of NEPA. The Vietnam War was raging,...It was a time of ferment, a time of change, not least for the Forest Service...We were struggling to adapt to social change—to bring women and minorities into the organization and to help the whole organization adjust to the opportunities that come with richer diversity."

The Chipko movement

The Chipko Movement

The Chipko Movement was initiated by a group of peasant women from Reni village in India. The women staged a Gandhian (non-violent) protest against deforestation and the effect it was having on the local watershed. The Hindi word "chipko" means "to stick" or "to hug" and is the root of the modern term "tree hugger".

“Year after year the floods in the North of India seem to be getting worse, and this year they have been absolutely devastating. This means that there is something radically wrong in the Himalayas, and that 'something' is, without doubt, connected with the forests."

Wangari Matthai

Dr. Wangari Matthai (1940-2011)

Wangari Matthai was the founder of the Green Belt Movement, an eNGO that empowered women of rural Kenya to take action on forest restoration, watershed management, and community development. In 2004, Matthai became the first African woman ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. 

"It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees."

Sandy Smith (UofT)

Dr. Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is a forest entomologist, professor and Dean Emeritus at the University of Toronto. Smith was the first woman appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Forestry. She is also a huge part of the reason that I specialized in forest health care.

“Enjoy the process. You need end goals, but appreciate the here and now. Step back and look at the big picture.”

I can't wait to fill the bottom of this page with all of the wonderful women that I studied forestry with or met through my professional pursuits. I know they have and will do great things. I'll just give them some time to get comfortable before I label them as revolutionaries!

Happy International Women's Day everyone!