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Harriet Tubman, Naturalist
Harriet Tubman’s deep knowledge of the natural world enhanced her ability to guide people and knowing owl calls played an essential part.
Harriet Tubman circa 1870, Harvey Lindsley, Library of Congress
We revere Harriet Tubman for her many accomplishments but particularly her courage in leading enslaved people to freedom. What we might not think about is how Tubman’s deep knowledge of the natural world enhanced her ability to guide people and knowing owl calls played an essential part.
National Audubon recently published an online article, “Harriet Tubman, an Unsung Naturalist, used Owl Calls as a Signal on the Underground Railroad,” written by Allison Keyes. Read it here
If you want to visit the wonderful Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester, Maryland, it is now open but reservations are required.