The property in Silver Spring, Maryland, has changed little since Rachel Carson lived there 50 years ago when she wrote “Silent Spring,” a powerful indictment of chemical pesticides that pretty much started environmentalism as we know it.
The simple ranch-style house -- designed by Carson herself -- is flanked by oak, maple and tulip poplar trees. White-tailed deer browse the yard with impunity, and catbirds mewl about a birdhouse.