Sam Campbell

Naturalist Sam Campbell (Samuel Arthur Campbell), "philosopher of the forest," was born in Watseka, Illinois and spoke in chapel on April 5, 1946. His program, "Getting Close to Heaven in Cool Colorado," was illustrated by Kodachrome films showing the grandeur of American's highest state. Campbell, an early pioneer of the environmental movement, lived in the northern forests of Wisconsin (not far from Honey Rock Camp), and near his home lived the woodland creatures who gained fame through his films and lectures. The pet porcupines, Salt and Pepper, the two racoons, Rack and Ruin, and the pet skunk, Halitosis, were chronicled in magazines, newspapers and books, as well as appearing in films. Campbell's written works included Too Much Salt and Pepper, Fiddlesticks and Freckles, Sweet Sue's Adventures and Nature's Messages: a book of wilderness wisdom. Campbell died April 13, 1962 in Barrington, Illinois. A memorial trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Three Lakes, WI honors Campbell. The trail is leads through a forest of pines, balsam, and hardwoods, and offers a variety of spring birds and wildflowers. A self-guiding brochure interprets the area using the writings of Sam Campbell. A section of the trail leads to Wegimind Point and Vanishing Lake, a focal point in many of Campbell`s writings and lectures.