It is here in southwestern Pennsylvania that this little girl, who grew up to become "one of the most influential people of the 20th century," according to TIME magazine, developed her love or nature. The youngest and only child of three to attend college, Rachel Carson was a published writer by age 10. In addition she began a life-long love of the ocean - perhaps inspired by her daily view of the great Allegheny River. As a young adult, Rachel went on to finish degrees in biology and marine biology.

Her gift for writing and love for nature developed eventually into a literary outlet. She authored three books about the ocean and became a successful writer. Her fourth and perhaps most famous work was Silent Spring - a warning about the dangers associated with the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides and their potentially adverse effect on the environment and human health. Carson promoted the need for more extensive research before releasing chemicals into our environment.

When visiting the Homestead, please dress for the weather. You may want to explore the Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder garden - an example of organic gardening using native plants in a suburban setting. Or you might like to hike our mini Nature Trail (only 1/4 mile, so not too strenuous). The Sense of Wonder Garden and the ground floor of the Homestead are handicap accessible. Also, allow time to browse the on-site gift shop and bookstore which features books written by or about Rachel Carson. We also stock a variety of gifts whatever your interest - gardening, the environment, education and souvenir or memorabilia collection.