For writer and scientist Rachel Carson, education came from books and birds. Writing and observing nature made a lifetime of learning. Carson, the author of "Silent Spring" died on April 14, 1964 in Silver Spring, Maryland. | American Experience | PBS

Writer and scientist Rachel Carson, whose book "Silent Spring" launched a national environmental debate, was born on May 27, 1907 in Springdale, Pennsylvania. | American Experience | PBS

When Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published in 1962, the book became a phenomenon. A passionate and eloquent warning about the long-term dangers of pesticides, the book unleashed an extraordinary national debate. Preview RACHEL CARSON, then tune it to watch it on air, online, or on the PBS Video App on May 28 at 8/7c → https://to.pbs.org/2HteZzs | American Experience | PBS

"Rachel Carson not only changed the kind of questions we ask about the environment; I think she caused us to start to ask those questions." "Rachel Carson" premieres next Tuesday, January 24 at 8/7c on PBS. | American Experience | PBS