Carol, 84, has lived on an island for 53 years preserving nature: she collects rainwater, uses firewood for cooking, and grows most of her food

For over half a century, 84-year-old Carol Ruckdeschel has embraced a life of profound dedication to nature on Georgia's Cumberland Island. Arriving in 1973, she left behind city life to permanently reside on the protected barrier island, known for its remarkably preserved coastal ecosystem. Ruckdeschel spends her days meticulously documenting the island's flora and fauna, a commitment that has earned her the moniker "the wildest woman in America."

Her existence on Cumberland Island is a testament to self-sufficiency. Ruckdeschel resides in a rustic cabin she rebuilt using salvaged materials. She relies on rainwater collection and a well for her water supply, uses firewood for cooking and heating, and cultivates a significant portion of her food in a garden she has developed over the years. The island itself, with its limited access and lack of modern amenities like paved roads or supermarkets, fosters this independent lifestyle.

Ruckdeschel's impact extends beyond her personal commitment to conservation. Her scientific work, particularly her extensive research on sea turtles, has had a significant influence. While conducting censuses for the National Park Service, she discovered numerous dead turtles and, through thousands of necropsies, determined that many were drowning in shrimp trawler nets. Her findings provided crucial evidence that spurred legislative changes and led to modifications in net designs, substantially reducing sea turtle mortality.

Her dedication also involved safeguarding the island from external threats. Ruckdeschel became a prominent advocate against any development that could disrupt Cumberland's delicate ecological balance. She actively opposed proposals for expanded tourist facilities, land exchanges for new construction, and even a proposed commercial spaceport near the island. Her efforts have been instrumental in preserving the island's pristine state for future generations.

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She records birds, mollusks, crabs, plants, and any other trace she finds in one of the country's best-preserved coastal ecosystems.