Important Lessons from Alexander von Humboldt

He has been called "the greatest inventor, naturalist, scientist, and explorer to ever live." Yet few people know the story of Alexander von Humboldt. Learn about the many gifts he gave to society and how his work from the 1800s is still having influence around the world, including one Humboldt County-based environmental organization. 

Born 250 years ago, Alexander von Humboldt was an intimate lover of nature who often put his quest for scientific discovery before his own safety, risking his life many times during wild adventures on the Amazon River, across the Llano’s desert, and over the Russian planes. His work and ways of describing the interconnectedness of all of life influenced such great thinkers as Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, Henry Thoreau, John Muir, and many others. He discovered isotherms, climatic zones for plants and animals, the magnetic equator, was the first to describe human-induced climate change.  

It is believed more species and places are named after him than anyone else, yet few people, even in Humboldt County, are familiar with this legendary man's story. This talk will share some of his adventures and discoveries, fame and misfortunes. We will also explore how the lessons he taught so long ago are perhaps more relevant now than ever. Hear how his work directly influences a local environmental organization.

Hannah Apricot Eckberg was raised on a rural coastal cattle ranch north of Santa Barbara. A deep love of nature and spirit of activism was instilled in her at an early age by her parents and the beautiful land she grew up on. At age 19 she became president of the organization Get Oil Out!, where she led efforts against fossil fuel development and educated about sustainable alternatives. During this time she discovered a system of solutions, called permaculture, which offers nature-inspired methods of agriculture and social design. She co-founded the North American version of Permaculture magazine and now runs a foundation to raise money for regenerative projects around the world, the Abundant Earth Foundation. Her family resides in McKinleyville, where she spends her time when she is not traveling the world.

 

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