During Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the amazing women who have made their mark on local conservation. Please join us as we celebrate their contributions to communities across North Central Florida.
Women in Conservation: Dr. Kathy Cantwell
Dr. Kathy Cantwell (center) with Mickey Singer (left) and NKwanda Jah (right).
Brilliant, persevering and strong.
Those are the first few words that come to Randi Cameon’s mind when asked to describe Dr. Kathleen “Kathy” Cantwell, a dedicated environmental advocate and an even more devoted friend.
Before fully committing herself to conservation, Kathy’s life was colored by her work as a pediatrician, her love for the outdoors and her training as a triathlete. She was an avid adventurer, with weekends full of backpacking trips and bike rides.
But about twenty years prior to her death, Kathy was left paralyzed after being hit by a car while cycling. After continuing her private practice for a few more years, she eventually closed her office, and retired. In the time following her accident, Kathy dedicated herself to local land and wildlife conservation. Over the years, Kathy helped found the Putnam Land Conservancy, served as president of the Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club, was the recipient of ACT’s Conservation Steward Award, and was awarded everything from the Key to the City of Gainesville to the title of “Woman of the Year.”
On top of this, Kathy was also a Chair Member of the Clean Air and Water Political Action Committee, and served on the Women for Wise Growth and Alachua County Land Conservation Boards.
An instrumental leader in the conservation of thousands of acres of Florida land, simply put, Kathy was a force to be reckoned with. Her companions and coworkers even compared her wheelchair to a bulldozer that could plow through obstacles in an article by The Gainesville Sun. It’s clear that whether within her circle of close confidants or surrounded by her army of supporters, she was a natural leader.
Kathy Cantwell’s fiery spirit and kind heart bled into all aspects of her life, and stayed with her throughout all of life’s challenges. Even after the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor, Kathy continued her work in conservation and instructed her friends to carry out the plans she’d set in motion.
Randi Cameon is one of Kathy’s many loved ones who is continuing Kathy’s work in conservation. Following the finalization of the preservation of Little Orange Creek Preserve and Nature Park, Randi launched Friends of Little Orange Creek to support the park and currently leads an environmental education program for local youths there. When asked if there was a favorite moment during her friendship with Kathy, Cameon simply laughed and said, “There are too many to name.”
Toward the end of her life, Kathy helped with efforts to open Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, where she is now laid to rest. Fierce and forward-thinking, her legacy lives on through the land she’s helped save and the lives she’s touched.
Spotlight by Lianne D’Arcy, Editorial Intern
