Eugene Odum: An Ecologist's Life

Eugene Odum is one of the most influential figures in the history of ecology in the 20th century. Now, a half-hour documentary, "Eugene Odum: An Ecologist's Life," is available for broadcast over public television nationwide. Check local listings for times and dates. The documentary may also be purchased (see details below).

Though now retired and in his early-80s, Odum has for more than half a century challenged scientific assumptions about the world around us. His pathbreaking book, Fundamentals of Ecology, which came out in 1953, influenced an entire generation of ecologists, and he is often called the "father of modern ecosystem ecology."

The documentary follows Odum from his boyhood in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, through his arrival at The University of Georgia in 1940, and then through his years as a prime mover in the field of holistic ecology. At first, his ideas had little support in the scientific community, but over the decades they have become accepted throughout the world.

"The work of Dr. Odum changed the way we look at the natural world and our place in it," says former President Jimmy Carter in the documentary.

Leading the Ecological Movement

Before Odum, ecology had been studied on a small scale within individual disciplines. Many scientists doubted that it could be studied on a large scale, examining how one natural system interacts with another. Judith Meyer, former president of the Ecological Society of America and a faculty member with UGA's Institute of Ecology, notes that Odum was the one who made "ecosystem" a household word.

"He began with the system as a whole and showed the power of that concept," she explains.

For an astonishing 10 years, his book was the only textbook available worldwide on ecosystem ecology. As such, his influence was enormous.

"Because of this book, he is essentially thought to be the 'father of modern ecology,'" says Mike Smith, director of UGA's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, which is located in Aiken, South Carolina.

Though he came to UGA as a zoology professor in 1940, Odum had a steady belief in his vision that led to the founding of the Institute of Ecology in 1961. He held that position until his retirement in 1984, and he still serves the Institute as director emeritus. (The Institute became part of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at UGA in 1994, though it retained its well-known name.)

Odum was responsible for the establishment in 1954 of UGA's Marine Institute on Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast. Tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds donated use of the southern part of the island for the study of ecosystems in Georgia's coastal marshes. Odum was also chiefly responsible for the founding of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, operated by the University on contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. This 300-square-mile area became one of the largest outdoor "science classrooms" on Earth.

The Ecosystem

Odum took a broad view of the environment as he pioneered ecosystem ecology as a new "integrative science." He explored connections between pristine watersheds, plants, animals, climate, and weather.

Today, Odum notes that ecosystem theory provides a common denominator for humans and nature and that the goods and services of both are coupled.

"Without healthy, natural systems to support and buffer industrial, urban, and agricultural activities," he says, "there can be no healthy economy or high quality of life."

Influence

While contributing to the field of ecology, Odum has also deeply influenced the works of countless people in many areas. Betty Jean Craige, director of UGA's Humanities Center and professor of comparative literature, says, "He has been my mentor for a decade, and for that I am very grateful."

Gene Likens, president and director of the Institute for Ecosystem Studies in New York State, says Odum is "clearly a giant in the field with wonderfully creative ideas. He never stops teaching, whether he is with a farmer in the field or a student on the sidewalk. He is an evangelist for the values of ecology."

Odum has received three international awards, as follows: the "Craaford Prize" from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1987; the French prize from the Institute de la Vie in 1975; and the "Tyler Ecology Award," which was presented to Odum by President Jimmy Carter in ceremonies at the White House in 1977. He was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 1970.

"We cannot overestimate the value of Dr. Odum's work in making spaceship Earth a better place for us all," says Carter.

Since retiring from UGA in 1984, Odum has devoted his time to writing and lecturing, promoting awareness of ecology nationwide.

The Documentary

The documentary "Eugene Odum: An Ecologist's Life" was written and co-produced by Phil Williams, director of public information for the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at UGA, and was directed and co-produced by David Silvian of the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

For more information about the documentary, contact: David Silvian, Department of Television Services, Georgia Center for Continuing Education, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602-3603, 706-542-5567, silviand@gactr.uga.edu.

Copies of the documentary are available for $19.95 each. To order: Georgia Center Collection: Books and Videos, Georgia Center for Continuing Education, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-3603, Phone: 1-800-359-4040.

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