Richard St. Barbe Baker dedicated his life to planting trees all over the world to help cool our overheated environment. He was called “the world’s greatest conservationist” and was a pioneer in protecting the world’s forests, creating sustainable forestry methods, and educating people about the importance of planting trees. He was the founder of the Men of the Trees, the first international Environmental Non-Governmental Organization, known as the International Tree Foundation today. He was a world traveler who taught people everywhere about environmentalism, and who stood up against racial discrimination and worked to empower local populations wherever he went. Richard St. Barbe Baker was a “Change Maker” who left an enduring legacy on the world.
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Richard St. Barbe Baker Child of the Trees
This biography introduces readers to Richard St. Barbe Baker, a pioneering environmentalist whose life’s mission was to protect and restore the world’s forests. Hanley traces Baker’s childhood fascination with trees in England, his studies in forestry, and his groundbreaking work founding The Men of the Trees, one of the first global conservation movements. The narrative emphasizes Baker’s deep spiritual connection to the natural world and his tireless advocacy for reforestation long before environmental issues became mainstream. Written in clear, accessible prose, the book balances biographical detail with inspirational storytelling, making Baker’s work both relatable and urgent for young readers. Photographs and archival materials enrich the text, placing Baker’s efforts in historical context while also underscoring his relevance in today’s climate conversations. A thoughtful and timely biography of an early environmental champion.