Audrey Calhoun: Pioneering Black Woman in Forestry
Audrey Calhoun, a native of Winnfield, Louisiana, became the first Black woman in the United States to earn a bachelor’s degree in forestry. Her accomplishment opened doors for future generations in the National Park Service, a field that had long been dominated by white men. Over a 34-year career, Calhoun helped protect some of America’s most treasured natural and historic sites.
Calhoun first attended Grambling State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in biology in just three years. “At the time, the best you could do with a bachelor’s is be a lab assistant,” she said. “And I didn’t want to be a lab assistant. I wanted to be something much greater.”
Her first experience with the National Park Service came in 1973 at Yellowstone National Park. A temporary summer job sparked her passion for conservation. “I fell in love with it,” she recalled. “After that, nothing else mattered. My career was going to be a park ranger. No ifs, ands or buts about it.”
Overcoming Challenges as a Black Woman in Forestry
Calhoun’s journey was not easy. In the 1970s, women, especially Black women, faced significant obstacles in forestry and park management. “Women had a very difficult time breaking in as a park ranger. Being a Black female, it was twice as hard for me,” she said. “The men felt like women couldn’t do the job of a park ranger. You constantly had to prove yourself, that you could do this.”
Determined to stand out, Calhoun returned to Louisiana to enroll in Louisiana Tech University’s forestry program. Though her “first” status in forestry was historic, she says she didn’t focus on it. “I didn’t pay any attention to it because I was valedictorian in high school, so you’re always first in something, and this was just one more thing,” she said.
A Distinguished Career in the National Park Service
Over three decades, Calhoun served in several high-profile roles, including positions at Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and Presidential Park near the White House. She ultimately became superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, overseeing operations and long-term planning for the historic site.
Her work has had lasting impact on the National Park Service, contributing to conservation, historical preservation, and public education. She was known for her leadership, dedication, and ability to inspire her team while navigating the challenges of a historically male-dominated field.
Returning Home and Inspiring Future Generations
After retiring, Calhoun returned to Winnfield, where she remains active in her community and family life. She hopes her story encourages young people, especially Black children, to pursue their dreams with confidence.
“If you’re not in the job that you want to be in, then you bloom where you are,” she said. “Somewhere along the line someone is going to come along, see your beauty, pluck you, and plant you where you’re supposed to be.” Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of paving a path for those who follow.
