Ynés Mexía: Redefining Botany and Conservation
Ynés Enriquetta Julietta Mexía was one of the most successful female plant collectors of her time. As a botanist, activist, and conservationist, she shattered stereotypes and opened new pathways in science and preservation. Starting her career at the age of 55, Mexía spent 13 remarkable years collecting and categorizing over 145,000 plant specimens.
Defying Expectations
Born in Washington, D.C., in 1870, Ynés Mexía faced a tumultuous early life marked by loss and upheaval. After completing her schooling, she moved to her father’s ranch and took over its management after his death. She lost her first husband shortly after their marriage and divorced her second husband after he financially ruined the family ranch. Mexía lived in Mexico for nearly 30 years until she sought mental health treatment and a fresh start in San Francisco.
In San Francisco, Mexía joined the burgeoning conservation movement as a member of the Sierra Club and the Save the Redwoods League. These organizations inspired her advocacy for protecting California’s majestic redwoods, a cause that would fuel her later groundbreaking work.
At the age of 51, Mexía made the bold decision to study botany at the University of California, Berkeley—a rare choice for women at the time. Driven by an intense curiosity and a love for nature, she proved that it was never too late to follow one’s calling. Mexía’s entry into botany wasn’t just about plants; it was about challenging societal norms that sought to limit women and people of color in science.
Transforming Exploration and Science
In 1925, Mexía embarked on her first plant-collecting expedition to Mexico, initially as part of a group from Stanford University. However, she quickly realized her preference for working independently and broke away from the team to collect over 1,500 specimens on her own. One of these, Mimosa mexiae, became the first of many plants named in her honor. By the age of 56, Mexía was funding her own expeditions and establishing a reputation as a trailblazer in botany.
This is plant specimen Saurauia mexiae, collected and named in honor of Ynés Mexía. Click image to enlarge
Over the next 13 years, she traveled across the Americas, from the Alaskan wilderness—where she became the first botanist to collect plants in what is now Denali National Park—to the jungles of South America. Often traveling alone or with Indigenous guides, Mexía defied societal expectations by braving harsh landscapes, riding horseback, and sleeping under the stars. Her work not only advanced botanical science but also highlighted the invaluable knowledge of Indigenous communities. She championed their rights and respected their connection to the land, fostering collaborations that enriched her research.
A Legacy Rooted in Conservation
Ynés Mexía’s life was as much about preservation as it was about discovery. Her advocacy for the redwoods remains a cornerstone of her legacy. Her heartfelt connection to the towering trees of Northern California spurred her to speak out against their destruction. Upon learning of ongoing clear-cutting in Montgomery Grove, she declared, “I am heartily in sympathy with any effort to save these trees.” Her voice helped galvanize efforts to protect these ancient forests, ensuring future generations could marvel at their beauty.
In 1938, during what would be her final expedition, Mexía fell ill and was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed away later that year at the age of 68, leaving much of her estate to the Sierra Club and Save the Redwoods League.
The Mexía Legacy
Ynés Mexía’s influence endures in the scientific community and the landscapes she fought to preserve. Her specimens, housed in museums and universities around the world, continue to inform botanical research. More importantly, her story serves as an inspiration to those who dare to challenge conventions and pursue their passions, regardless of age or circumstance.
Mexía once said, “I don’t think there is any place in the world where a woman can’t venture.” Her life’s work proves just that. As a pioneering botanist and fierce conservationist, Ynés Mexía leaves behind a legacy of discovery, advocacy, and empowerment that still resonates today.
Diego Tovar — Assistant Director of Campus and Civic Engagement
Diego Tovar, Assistant Director of Campus and Civic Engagement, holds his master’s in Global Environmental Policy from American University and an undergraduate degree as a Udall Scholar in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability with a minor in Political Communication from Colorado State University. Diego has worked for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Navajo Nation Washington Office focusing on climate justice and climate adaptation.
