Leslie Newton Goodding (1880–1967) was an American botanist who was considered an expert in the flora of the Southwestern United States.
[1] Goodding attended the University of Wyoming from 1899 to 1903, learning botany under Aven Nelson.
[2] Goodding also went to the University of Montana, studying botany, plant pathology and pedagogy.
Goodding also was employed by several government agencies throughout his career, mainly concerning erosion control.
He developed a strong conservation ethic and worked to preserve the biodiversity of southern Arizona.