Gladys Black: The Legacy of Iowa’s Bird Lady

Adored by a generation as “Iowa’s Bird Lady,” Gladys Black introduced thousands of Iowans to the wonders of birds. Her newspaper columns lured readers not with textbook descriptions but with folksy anecdotes. Her focus was always the same: protect our birds and their environment.

Larry Stone knew and worked with Gladys Black during his 25 years with the Des Moines Register. He will recount the legacy of “Iowa’s Bird Lady” in a public program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the Clarke County Conservation Education Center at East Lake Park, 2451 Hy. 34, Osceola, IA.

Stone and coauthor Jon Stravers, who also was a close friend and associate of Gladys, published the book, Gladys Black: The Legacy of Iowa’s Bird Lady. It’s a story not only of Gladys’s work with birds, but of her pioneering efforts in outdoor education. Gladys led kids and adults on nature hikes, sounded the alarm about pesticides, and taught respect for the Earth. Countless Iowans phoned or wrote her with birding questions. Beth Brown of Osceola also partnered with Gladys to care for and rehabilitate birds.

Outspoken and passionate, Gladys chastised bureaucrats, politicians, developers, or anyone whom she believed was harming the environment. She spoke out at public meetings and to smaller groups, and regularly wrote letters to the editor.

When Gladys died in 1998, Iowa lost an ardent conservationist and bird lover, and a mentor who touched the lives of Larry Stone, Jon Stravers, and hundreds of others. “The Legacy of Iowa’s Bird Lady” shares stories of Gladys and her place among Iowa conservation legends.

To learn more about Larry Stone’s books and programs, visit www.LarryStonesIowa.com.