"People have alleged that I have inspired many young people over the years, but I say it was just the opposite." ~ David R. Brower

David Ross Brower, recognized internationally for his pioneering leadership in protecting the environment and wild places of the Earth, was born in Berkeley, California on July 1, 1912.  A famous mountain climber in the 1930s, he served in the legendary 10th Mountain Division in World War II and went on to become the first Executive Director of the Sierra Club.  After over 60 years leading conservation campaigns, he died at the age of 88 on November 5, 2000.

Brower's career ranged from stopping dams in Dinosaur National Monument and Grand Canyon National Park, to exposing the dangers of nuclear power. In 1982, Brower founded Earth Island Institute, an organization that fosters and supports more than 40 innovative environmental projects around the world. Based in San Francisco, Earth Island Institute is the home of the Brower Fund and the Brower Youth Awards.

Among his many accomplishments, David Brower led campaigns to establish nine new National Parks and Seashores including Cape Cod, North Cascades and the Redwoods, and helped gain passage of the Wilderness Act of 1964 which protects millions of acres of public land. He created the genre of "exhibit format" books of exquisite outdoor photography with a conservation message and pioneered the use of full-page environmental campaign advertisements in newspapers.  Many consider him the founder of the modern environmental movement, alongside John Muir and Rachel Carson.

Brower was a tireless public speaker, addressing audiences everywhere from the United Nations to local high schools.  His inspirational message and bold visions inspired four generations of people to action on behalf of the Earth. He was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize and received numerous awards throughout his life, including the 1998 Blue Planet Prize in Japan.

Brower's message on the current state of the Earth was at once dire and optimistic and is reflected in his favorite quotes.  He urged environmentalists to heed the words of the German poet Goethe,

"Anything you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."