Member

Harold was born in Pasadena, California, on January 30, 1886. He received a BS degree from Pomona College with a major in zoology/ornithology and MS and PhD degrees in zoology from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1914, he began service with the California Fish and Game Commission and published eight articles. Most of his work dealt with waterfowl, but he also published two articles on mammals. Most of his studies were conducted in California. Following work with the Fish and Game Commission, Harold was a lecturer and field trip leader for the University of California Extension, and was a summer season ranger-naturalist at Yosemite National Park. Harold served with the National Park Service without cost to the federal government until 1923, when he was appointed as a seasonal park ranger. In 1925, Harold was named the first director of the Yosemite School of Field Natural History to train naturalists. Emphasis of this training was placed on experience in the field with lectures and books of secondary importance. In 1930, Harold was given his first permanent position with the National Park Service as assistant director of the branch of research and education to implement a stronger interpretive and educational approach to park management. In 1938, Harold served as consultant to the director and assisted in the establishment of Olympic National Park. He was appointed acting superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park in 1939. Harold assisted in the organization of Kings Canyon National Park in 1940, and was appointed superintendent of the Grand Canyon National Park on August 1, 1941, where he served until his retirement on March 31, 1954. Harold had many significant accomplishments, but was most proud of his role in establishing the interpretive programs for the National Park Service. He was a recipient of the Department of the Interior Distinguished Service Award in 1954 and received many other honorary awards and recognitions during his career. He passed away in Berkeley, California, on July 14, 1968, at the age of 82. Harold was elected to the Washington Biologists’ Field Club in 1931.