The publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” in 1962 is usually seen as the event marking the birth of the modern environmental movement, and the first Earth Day in 1970 is considered the moment when environmentalism had arrived as an established part of the American consciousness. Not at all coincidentally, that is exactly the time frame that saw the rise of folk rock, that exciting meld of folk’s lyrical intelligence and social consciousness with the energy, drive — and electricity — of rock. This series explores how folk rock both reflected and affected the growing awareness of environmental concerns in American culture — in the process leaving us with memorable and important music. About me: I’m a newly retired academic, a professor emeritus of English and environmental studies, author of five books of literary ecocriticism and one book of poems, and a songwriter (still preserving my amateur status). Most of the articles here reflect my training as a literary critic — and I hope my passion for the music! The topic here is narrowly defined, but if you are interested in joining the conversation, please get in touch. Other voices welcome!