Katherine Sleeper Walden

Katherine Sleeper Walden (November 27, 1862 – March 3, 1949) was an American environmental conservationist and community activist in Wonalancet, New Hampshire. Before moving to New Hampshire in 1890, Katherine was an active community member and among the first female journalists in Massachusetts.

Following her arrival in New Hampshire, Katherine founded Wonalancet Farm and the Wonalancet Out Door Club and married famed explorer and dog breeder Arthur Treadwell Walden in 1902. Her conservation efforts and fight against New England's "Timber Barons" succeeded in protecting thousands of acres of old-growth forest in the White Mountains.

As a result of financial troubles resulting from the Great Depression and Katherine's declining health, Katherine and Arthur were forced to sell Wonalancet Farm and move to nearby Brook Walden. There, a fire broke out and trapped Katherine inside. While rescuing her and attempting to extinguish the fire, Arthur was killed. Katherine was unable to recover from the emotional and physical trauma; she died two years later.

The Sleepers, a pair of mountains in the White Mountains, and nearby Mount Katherine are named after Katherine. The Kate Sleeper Trail, which traverses both peaks of The Sleepers, is also named for her. Provided by Wikipedia