SAVING THE SOIL

Hugh Hammond Bennett’s role in the reversing of the damage done to the Great Plains cannot be understated. In 1903 he began his career as a soil surveyor, and over successive years became convinced of the dangers of soil erosion, writing numerous papers such as 1928s Soil Erosion: A National Menace. In 1933 he helped establish and became director of the Soil Erosion Service.

Bennett was known for his dramatic speeches and empowering delivery, his 1935 speech to Congress being integral to helping end the continuing damage being done to the soil. It was said that Bennett “combined science with showmanship” and was able to convince the powers that be of the importance of soil conservation.