UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON ARCHIVES
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Interview #676
KNUDSEN, GEORGE J.

KNUDSEN, George J. (1922- )
Undergraduate student
At UW: 1940-1942; 1945-1949

Interviewed: 2004	
Interviewer: Dawn Ley
Length: 1 hour, 13 minutes

Childhood and early years; Love of nature; Encounter with Aldo Leopold and enrollment at the University of Wisconsin; Influential teachers; Wildlife biologist for the DNR; Chief naturalist; Arboretum; Retirement.

Interview Session (April 20, 2004): Tape 1

Tape 1/Side 1

00:00:15	George Knudsen was born in 1922 in Easton, Wisconsin. He discusses his childhood, friendships, and love of nature. His parents supported his rather lucrative outdoor endeavors.

00:04:46	He attended the University of Wisconsin from 1940-1942. His father worked for Aldo Leopold in a federal resettlement program; Leopold took note of GK's insect collection while visiting his family and encouraged him to come to Madison for study. GK studied entomology at UW in those years but changed his mind while he was in the military and chose to study wildlife ecology, and field zoology especially.

00:09:19	GK relates his impressions of the Madison campus and explains that there was less emphasis on his grades at that time than would be the case now.

00:10:35	As a GI student in the postwar years, he felt behind in his studies.

00:12:25	He discusses taking courses with Aldo Leopold and with his "hero," John Emlen.  He recounts having problems with Professor Hasler in a limnology course.  He describes other influential teachers, including professors Meyer, Mossman, and Wolfe.

00:16:10	GK talks about his individual research on reptiles, amphibians, and birds. He calls himself a "true environmentalist." He was uninterested in scientific literature and genetics and preferred taxonomy, observation, and fieldwork.

00:20:35	He describes having shared in the general optimism about the ability of science to effect progress.

00:21:41	He worked for the DNR as a wildlife biologist in a statewide research project on beavers from 1950-58. From 1956-58, he also researched otters and recalls being hassled by "PETA-type" people while trapping.

00:24:28	From 1958-62, he worked on a project on black bears. In 1962, he was offered (and accepted) the job of chief naturalist. He describes his responsibilities as forest naturalist, including developing nature trails, nature centers, exhibits, and evening programs. He also worked with a Scientific Areas Preservation Council and assisted work on endangered species lists.

00:29:58	He criticizes the simple preservationism of environmentalists and expresses his frustration that they refused to listen to his ideas.

00:31:31	GK talks about his collaboration with the Association of Interpretive Naturalists. He mentions publishing a booklet that became widely distributed at national parks.

00:33:38	He met with Leopold and Emlen to give seminars to wildlife ecology students.

00:35:45	GK discusses the "pseudo-political" conflict that he encountered with preservationists.

00:38:00	He considered himself a fact-finder, not an experimentalist.

00:40:45	He recalls agreeing with Rachel Carson's arguments in "Silent Spring." He talks about the impact of DDT on Wisconsin wildlife.

00:43:12	GK recalls walking through the Arboretum when he first came to Madison in 1932-33 and notes some of the changes to the lake. He noticed some of these changes already taking place by 1940.

00:46:49	End of side.

Tape 1/Side 2

00:46:50	George Knudsen continues to recall his experiences and philosophical musings at the springs in the Arboretum. He relates his fascination with geology.

00:51:34	He recounts at length how, in 1942, while sugaring for moths in the Arboretum, he discovered a moth that had never been seen in Wisconsin before.

01:00:46	He expresses his continuing interest in nature.

01:02:46	GK explains some of the factors contributing to his retirement.

01:04:22	His successor as chief naturalist never developed any of his programs or asked for his help. He regrets that current programs do not delve sufficiently into ecology.

01:08:39	GK offers some closing comments on his career and hopes to finish a book for naturalists. He thinks he could title one of his books "A Curmudgeon Speaks."

01:12:45	End of side. End of tape. End of interview.

END