In Perpetuity

Ann Elder and the art of conservation

Ann Elder was one of the leading lights in the quirky, frustrating and deeply rewarding business of trying to keep the nation's natural heritage preserved in perpetuity. She never lost sight of the ultimate importance of her work with fossils and park resources. Ann never accepted a mediocre solution to a problem and always worked to make everything the best it could be, because that was the only way today's resources can be tomorrow's as well.

She was the first author on a technical leaflet I edited because she was the driving force behind it. It was an all-star lineup of authors working to make information available to the natiral history museum community in a clear no-jargon presentation. Even with that crew of leaders, Ann was clearly the motivating force. She was tireless in wanting things done right and wanting people to know how to do that.

It's hard to believe I can't turn to her right now with a question and hear her lively and always-expert response. She was one of the first in a cadre of people working on geological conservation issues, and always one of the best. If the Park Service has resources preserved in perpetuity, it is be in part because Ann Elder refused to accept anything less.

Ann preserved the traces of the past so that they will continue into the future. Her life touched ancient life and looked toward future life. That is the beginning of perpetuity.

--Sally Shelton