Adirondack Women's History Month: Anne LaBastille
Honoring a barrier-breaking conservationist and author.
Anne LaBastille, Adirondack Woodswoman
March is Women's History Month, so we honor the remarkable women in Adirondack history (but, to be candid, we honor them every day). Among them stands Anne LaBastille, a true pioneer and advocate for environmental conservation. Known as "Adirondack Woodswoman," Anne's unforgettable story shows bravery, strength, and commitment to protecting the beauty of the Adirondacks.
Anne LaBastille: A life-long love of wildlife.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1935, Anne LaBastille developed a deep affinity for nature from a young age. As a Camp Fire Girl, she spent her childhood summers at sleep-away camp, exploring the Northeast's woods and local flora and fauna.
Anne LaBastille was the first female Audubon Society tour guide.
Despite society's expectations, as a university student, she pursued her passion for the outdoors. She earned degrees in wildlife management forestry and a Ph.D. in wildlife ecology from Cornell University.
LaBastille's academic achievements laid the foundation for her groundbreaking career as an environmentalist and author.
Embracing solitude in the six million acres of the Forever Wild Adirondack Park.
LaBastille's love affair with the Adirondacks was cemented in the early 1960s when she acquired a remote plot of land on Twitchell Lake, nestled deep within the heart of the Adirondack Park.
With the help of friends, Anne built a 12 x 12 log cabin in 1964 that she heated solely by a wood-burning stove. Although It had no plumbing or electricity, the cabin became her year-round residence.
The cabin was serene; she could study animals and nature undisturbed, finding peace and inspiration away from others. Her intimate connection with the natural world shaped her perspective on conservation and sustainability.
It’s important to emphasize that Anne LaBastille was not a hermit. She was a sought-after speaker and expert who traveled and lectured worldwide. She also entertained many local international visitors at her cabin over the years, often greeting guests with champagne and providing delicious meals she caught/foraged herself.
Pioneering conservation efforts in the Adirondack Park.
LaBastille was a passionate advocate for preserving the Adirondack Park, and her efforts made her a leading voice in environmental activism. She campaigned tirelessly to protect wilderness areas, advocating for responsible land management practices and establishing protected reserves.
Anne LaBastille's work helped create essential regulations to protect the environment in the Adirondack region for future generations to enjoy.
An important literary legacy.
“Woodswoman” by Anne LaBastille.
In addition to her advocacy work, LaBastille was a prolific author. She was a contributing writer to several wildlife magazines, including Sierra Club and National Geographic. Anne also penned several acclaimed books that celebrated the beauty and biodiversity of the Adirondack wilderness. Her writings include the "Woodswoman" series. These books tell fascinating stories about her life in the woods, encouraging readers to appreciate nature and live simpler lives.
She wrote of her numerous backpacking and canoe trips, encounters with black bears and other wild forest animals, and the extraordinary adventure that was her day-to-day life. Anne LaBastille's beautiful writing captured the essence of the Adirondack experience, inspiring awe and respect for nature.
Her legacy lives on through the Adirondack Center for Writing's Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency. Each year, many writers apply to attend a two-week residency program at a lodge on Twitchell Lake. The program is open to poets, fiction and nonfiction writers.
Breaking barriers in environmental activism.
As a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field, LaBastille defied conventional norms and shattered stereotypes. Her resilience in the face of adversity served as a beacon of hope for aspiring female conservationists, empowering them to pursue their dreams without compromise.
By challenging the status quo, Anne LaBastille paved the way for greater gender equality in environmental activism and outdoor exploration.
An enduring impact on the Adirondack Park.
Anne LaBastille’s life is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Her unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on the Adirondack Mountains, inspiring generations to cherish and protect this pristine wilderness.
During Women's History Month, remember Anne LaBastille by protecting the Adirondacks for future generations. Celebrate Anne by exploring the Adirondack Park. Each trail has a story, and every view invites you to start a journey of discovery.
