Renowned for her unconventional lifestyle and dedication to wildlife, Carol Ruckdeschel has become a prominent figure on Cumberland Island. The self-taught naturalist, who will turn 85 in December, has lived on the island for half a century and is celebrated for her work with sea turtles and other marine life.
G. Wayne Clough, former secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, recently visited Cumberland Island as part of his research for a book about the Georgia coast. He was met by Ruckdeschel, who drove him to her home and museum at the north end of the island. The museum is an extraordinary collection of dead creatures, including insects, snakes, whales, and turtles, all meticulously preserved by the naturalist.
Ruckdeschel’s work has been instrumental in documenting the impact of shrimp trawler nets on sea turtles, leading to significant design changes to prevent turtle deaths. Her specimens have supported research at the Smithsonian, with about 700 of them now part of the institution’s collections.
Environmental Advocacy
Ruckdeschel has been vocal about her concerns regarding the National Park Service’s (NPS) plans for Cumberland Island. Recently, the NPS approved an increase in daily visitation, which had previously been capped at 300 since 1984. Additionally, property exchanges with private landowners have been proposed, allowing construction in less environmentally sensitive areas.
Ruckdeschel has criticized the NPS for not having an ecologist on staff to assess the potential environmental impacts of these changes. She described the plans as “over the top” and “heartbreaking,” emphasizing the need for expertise in ecological preservation.
Contributions to Science
Despite lacking formal education, Ruckdeschel has conducted extensive research on the island’s flora, fauna, geology, and ecology. Her book, “A Natural History of Cumberland Island, Georgia”, catalogs decades of her findings.
Former park ranger Will Harlan, inspired by Ruckdeschel, noted her unique approach to studying marine life. He recounted an encounter where she demonstrated the impact of shrimp trawlers on turtles by examining their digestive contents.
Ongoing Concerns
As the NPS plans for increased visitation and land exchanges continue, Ruckdeschel’s supporters worry about the potential loss of her influence on the island. Charlotte Fries, a former ranger, highlighted the importance of Ruckdeschel’s presence, saying, “When she’s gone there will be no more boots on the ground.”
For more than 50 years, Ruckdeschel has been a prominent advocate for conservation, earning recognition in various media, including a 1973 New Yorker article that documented her efforts to preserve Georgia’s wildlands.
The public can submit comments on the NPS proposals until Friday, Oct. 16, at this link.
