Balzaccom,

We still have Izaak Walton to thank for being a pioneer in the field of conservation. He was born in 1593, died in 1682 and was most famous for his book "The Compleat Angler" published in 1653. His legacy of protecting soil, air, woods, water and wildlife was formalized in 1922 with the founding of the Izaak Walton League which is still very active today.