November 16

Pehr Kalm (1716-1779) was a Finnish naturalist and one of the most celebrated pupils of Carl Linnaeus. He was commissioned by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to explore North America, traveling extensively from Quebec to Pennsylvania. Kalm collected thousands of plant specimens and documented indigenous uses of flora. His detailed observations on agriculture, ecology, and wildlife were published and influenced European understanding of New World nature. He introduced economically important species, such as red currants and various trees, to Europe.

André Michaux (1746-1802) was appointed royal botanist to King Louis XVI and sent to North America to collect new plant species. He traveled from Canada to Louisiana, gathering thousands of specimens and documenting regional flora. Michaux established botanical gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, and Paris to cultivate exotic plants. His works, including detailed journals and herbarium collections, became valuable scientific resources in Europe. He also undertook missions to Persia and Madagascar, expanding botanical knowledge beyond the Americas.

Patrick Edlinger was a world-renowned French rock climber, credited with popularizing free climbing and bouldering in the 1980s. He achieved first ascents on some of Europe's most challenging routes, including cliffs in the Verdon Gorge and Buoux. Edlinger’s bold style and minimalist approach inspired a generation of climbers and was documented in pioneering climbing films. He won multiple national and international competitions, solidifying his status as a leading athlete in his field. Beyond his athletic prowess, Edlinger advocated for environmental conservation and climbing ethics. His fearless performances in remote locations helped elevate climbing into a mainstream adventure sport. Edlinger’s death in 2012 was mourned worldwide, but his influence endures in climbing communities.