Sarah Mittlefehldt

About the Author

Sarah Mittlefehldt is an environmental historian and professor whose work illuminates the intricate intersections of nature, policy, and human endeavor. With a focus on American environmental politics, she explores how landscapes shape societal values and political landscapes in turn. Her acclaimed book, Tangled Roots: The Appalachian Trail and American Environmental Politics (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books), delves into the trail's history as a symbol of conservation efforts and grassroots activism, revealing the tensions between federal initiatives and local communities. Drawing from extensive archival research and fieldwork, Mittlefehldt's scholarship bridges academic rigor with accessible storytelling, offering insights into how environmental movements have evolved amid cultural and economic shifts. Her contributions continue to influence discussions on sustainable land use and democratic participation in conservation.