While looking through one of our chapter’s old scrapbooks, I found a fascinating article on Harold Laughlin, a noted naturalist, and after Bessie Heard, the most influential person in the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary’s history. His contributions extended beyond the Heard—he was deeply involved with the Native Plant Society of Texas, helping to advance the understanding and appreciation of native plants. It is fitting that our chapter meets monthly in the room named after him, Laughlin Hall, at the Heard.
From Fear to Fascination
Growing up in Tulsa, Laughlin was not initially drawn to nature. In fact, as his daughter, Meg Latham, now the Director of Programs at the Heard, recounted, he was initially very wary of snakes and spiders. However, a neighbor who worked at the Tulsa Zoo began bringing animals home, drawing neighborhood children to observe them. This exposure gradually shifted Laughlin’s perspective and sparked a curiosity about the natural world.
His interest deepened in school under the influence of Edith Force, a dedicated Biology teacher in Tulsa who also ran a summer biology camp. She was known for her work in Herpetology, which greatly influenced him in pursuing his career’s work. Ms. Force was a patient mentor to Laughlin, and as his curiosity grew and knowledge deepened, she asked him to help at her summer camp. As early as 15, Laughlin began corresponding with institutions and even sent Western Hognose snake specimens to Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History.
Start in Academia
His academic career took him first to the University of Tulsa, while also working at the Tulsa Zoo as a bird and reptile keeper. After graduation, he attended the University of Texas, earning a master’s and doctorate in Zoology and Ecology. On a fellowship, he conducted field studies on lizards at the Welder Wildlife Foundation near Corpus Christi.
His wife, Mary Jo, was an educator, artist, and also deeply interested in nature. She would become well known in Texas for her watercolor paintings, prints, and stationery of wildflowers.
After receiving his doctorate, Laughlin secured an Assistant Biology Professor position at Southeastern State College in Durant, OK. He taught there from 1961 to 1965, building a solid academic career, but an unexpected opportunity led him to leave higher education.
A Vision for the Heard Museum
Laughlin’s path changed in 1965 when Mary Jo noticed a Dallas Morning News article about a new nature preserve in McKinney—the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. The job resonated with Laughlin, reminding him of the Welder’s mission. Building an educational institution dedicated to conservation was too enticing to pass up.
He wrote a letter to its founder, Bessie Heard, outlining his credentials and vision. When the two met, he brought the blueprints for the museum-to-be, laying them out on the floor of her home, describing his vision and demonstrating his commitment. This first meeting set the foundation for their working relationship, and she hired him in October 1965 as the first employee. He was made the Heard’s Administrative Director (later to be termed Executive Director). With a shared commitment to education and conservation, they laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of nature study in North Texas.
She entrusted him with starting the organization, and he leveraged his extensive network of scientists and conservationists to help build a strong foundation for the institution. He frequently consulted colleagues from the University of Texas, Welder, and other institutions, ensuring the museum and sanctuary were grounded in sound ecological principles to establish a sustainable framework for the future.
Environmental Education and Advocacy
A 1997 Dallas Morning News profile summed up his influence, “Dr. Laughlin’s hands and passion for nature and education set the museum’s course.” Laughlin was not just a director – he was an educator at heart. Though his role required significant administrative work, his real passion lay in education and promoting conservation.
Meg said he liked to “sneak education into his interaction with people and groups”. He loved to take trail walks with visitors. Commenting about the importance of nature education for children and young adults, Laughlin stated, “They need to understand it because it’s the only way they’ll respect it.” Core to his approach was a gift for making learning fun, often weaving in humor with limericks and puns.
For over two decades, Laughlin and his family lived on the Heard Museum grounds. Meg fondly recalled the unique childhood experience of having the museum as a backyard, with the Hoot Owl Trail being the only developed path at the time.
The Heard’s executive director said at the time of Laughlin’s retirement in 1997, “It’s hard to find individuals who are truly naturalists, who know something about every part of the natural world. And he could communicate that to the general public.”
A Voice for Nature
Throughout his career, Laughlin was an active conservationist whose advocacy reached far beyond the museum. Beginning in 1966, he worked closely with legendary conservationists like Ned Fritz regarding water conservation and land protection. His deep connections within conservation circles helped bolster the Heard’s reputation as a center for environmental education.
He engaged in other advocacy efforts, including writing to legislators such as Texas Congressman Ray Roberts and Governor John Connally about ecological concerns. His dedication led to requests to appear before a Senate Committee, contributing to legislation protecting the Texas Horned Lizard. Over the years, Laughlin earned numerous accolades for his contributions to conservation and education, including:
- 1992 Dallas Environmentalist of the Year (Isthmus Institute)
- 1992 Conservation Educator of the Year (Sportsman Conservationist of Texas)
- The Naumburg Award from the Natural Science for Youth Foundation for leadership in nature centers
- Elected to Sigma Xi Natural Scientific Research Honorary
- Fellow of the Texas Academy of Sciences
Laughlin and NPSOT
From the beginning of NPSOT, he was an active member and leader, including being the first Treasurer. In 1996, he was elected a NPSOT Fellow. Harold was not the only one in the family with deep connections to NPSOT – Mary Jo is one of the namesakes for the annual NPSOT recognition of the “Mary Jo Laughlin and Eula Whitehouse Memorial Award” for visual art that illustrates, interprets, or promotes Texas native plants. Among her many drawings is the Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) illustration in the NPSOT logo. She also developed the illustration shown on the right for NPSOT.
When asked what her father might think about the growing awareness of native plants, Meg is confident he would be thrilled. She emphasizes that his involvement in NPSOT was early and extensive, and he would be pleased to see younger generations carrying the movement forward. He also wrote numerous articles for our chapter, including about Green Dragons (Arisaema dracontium) and Overcoming Fears of Latin Names.
The Lasting Influence of a True Naturalist
Harold Laughlin’s path into the natural world was not one he was born into but one he enthusiastically cultivated over time. His influence as a naturalist left an enduring mark on North Texas, shaping the Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Native Plant Society of Texas, and countless conservation efforts.
