Herma Albertson Baggley

Herma Albertson Baggley (October 11, 1896 – August 18, 1981 ) was an American park ranger, naturalist, author and teacher. In 1931, she became a full-time naturalist with the National Park Service at Yellowstone National Park, the first woman to hold the role. She co-authored Plants of Yellowstone National Park, published in 1936 and still in use as of 2019.

Early life and career Herma Geneva Albertson was born on October 11, 1896, in Inwood, Iowa. She lived in Iowa through the eighth grade, then moved to southern Idaho with her family for two years. In 1915, she graduated from high school in Blackfoot, Idaho and became an elementary school teacher for the Blackfoot School District. She returned to teaching for the 1922 to 1923 school year, but afterward resumed her studies and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi honor societies. She graduated in 1929 and became an instructor at the University of Idaho. A 1937 notice about the book said, "The great variety of wild flowers in this park is one of its chief charms, this is an illustrated account of them." Plants of Yellowstone has continued to be in print for decades; a 1973 notice said: Don't let the title of this delightful book on wildflowers and other native plants mislead you, the scope of subject matter extends well beyond the Park boundaries. A wonderful reference whether you are hiking on the West Boulder or driving through Glacier National Park.

Baggley was also instrumental in improving living conditions for Park employees and their families, advocating that provision of improved housing and other benefits would help the park recruit better-qualified staff.

Personal life In 1931, she married George F. Baggley, who was Yellowstone's chief park ranger from 1929 to 1935.

Baggley died on August 18, 1981 in Boise.

Legacy The University of Idaho offers a scholarship in her name, the Herma Albertson Baggley Scholarship for undergraduates majoring in biological sciences.