The Paul Kroegel Memorial in Sebastian, Florida
Picture credit: Ebyabe
Like many of you, I am sure, my Ancestors came to America from so many places.
One of them was my Grandfather who was from Prussia, a place that no longer exists and is now called Germany.
At home, he primarily spoke in German to me as a child and attempted to teach it to me.
Regretfully, I was not a very good student and only managed to learn a few words before he passed away.
But, the one thing that he did leave with me, that resonates in much of what I attempt even today, was his strong, proud work ethic.
With this thought in mind, today while reading my mail, I came across a story about a man who sadly, I had never heard of, perhaps because I did not grow up here in Florida, but in Indiana and California.
The man I speak of is Paul Kroegel, who came to Florida from Germany as a child in 1881 and left his mark on it and the world of wild life forever.
Recently there was a Festival in Sebastian, where he had lived, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth.
I wish I could have known him, much like my grandfather, Kroegel was diligent, hardworking and so dedicated to what he believed in.
He loved animals, especially birds, and did his best to protect them from marauding, murdering bullies.
Paul was quite passionate about the local Brown Pelicans who were being slaughtered for their feathers and was determined to stop it.
Mr. Kroegel was a primary impetus for the beginnings of our National Wildlife Refuge System and it was his vision of how
wildlife should be treated, that initiated the overall system that we have in place today.
In 1903 , President Teddy Roosevelt made Kroegel’s dream a reality, by ordering Pelican Island to become the first National Wildlife Refuge.
Kroegel became the first park Warden and was paid $1 a month for his duties.
Many years later, following a devastating Hurricane, the Pelicans temporarily abandoned the Island, and Kroegel was to have another first, a mandatory Government retirement.
He died in Sebastian in 1948.
This man fought nearly all of his life in the defense of helpless animals, proving once again, that one person can make a difference.
Kroegel, like my grandfather, led his life in an exemplary manner, giving me the will to continue fighting for animals in trouble, even on those days when I am not sure if anyone is really out there?
These are some places where you may learn more about this remarkable man:
American Conservation Hero – Paul Kroegel
German Immigrant Honored for Role in U.S. Wildlife Protection
Paul Kroegel – First Refuge Employee
Paul Kroegel and the Story of Pelican Island
Paul Kroegel and America’s First Wildlife Refuge
Walking with the Alligators 
There are people out there listening, be sure of that- keep up the good work!
Thank you for caring about them. They need you to make a difference for them.
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Hurray for Paul and you for speaking up for the animals!
Thank you for being here!
🙂
An interesting post, you are right one person can make a difference. But I know it is so easy to get discouraged. Thankfully there are people out their such as yourself who care about animals.
Having followers like you make it easier to keep trying. Thank you!
Where is Sebastian, Florida? I am in Aventura, very NE corner Miami Dade County. Thanks visit my blog.
It is north of you near the Space Center area.
Inspirational. Yes, the Germans do have a strong work ethic. I too am from German origins – my surname Wilhelm gives this away 🙂
I know exactly what you mean when you say, “I am not sure if anyone is really out there”. AR activism can at times be a lonely, frustrating journey. It needs dedication and perseverance, even on those days when we “don’t feel like going to work”. Do Germans ever feel that way? ;-0
It is so very true. This can often be a lonely path, but something keeps driving us to do this.
Most likely a loathing of the cowards and bullies who do harm to innocents I am sure.
Thank you for your kind words, but most of all for all that you do for those with no voice~
A wonderful tribute to your grandfather.
Thank you, he was a very special man.
Pelicans by far are my favorite bird that we have in the wild here so although I had never heard of Paul before, he now is one of my heroes!
Yes, they are glorious. We have the blessings to see them on both Coasts here. Many times driving along the Atlantic they will follow above in a line, it is magical.