Hazel Schmoll

Born in a sod shanty and raised near a mining camp in Ward, Colorado, Hazel Schmoll grew up riding the high peaks and valleys of the Continental Divide amid the native wild flowers she knew and loved. Later, as Colorado state botanist, she conducted the first systematic study of plant life in Southwestern Colorado. Her research led to the discovery of a rare locoweed variety that was named for her. As board member of the Colorado Mountain Club, Hazel was appointed chief lobbyist to pass a bill for the protection of the Colorado state flower, the lavender Columbine. In Schmoll’s later years she built Rangeview Ranch on land adjoining Rocky Mountain National Park, where she served as a nature guide well into her seventies.