She studied at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and earned a bachelors of fine arts degree in philosophy at the University of Texas in 1943.
She believed that the river's destruction was due to the United States Army Corps of Engineers and along with several volunteers, sent pictures they had taken of the concrete Bayous to their congressman, George H. W. Bush.
In response Bush invited Hershey to speak before the Appropriations Sub-committee, where she could request an evaluation of the work being done at the river, as well as offer suggestions of new technologies to deal with flood control.
[3] Hershey was a member of groups, clubs and organizations that were interested in environmental issues and she served as an advocate for protecting parks in Houston.
Hershey was awarded the Pugsley Medal in 2003 by the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration and she was described by her peers as a "force of nature" for her impressive works in Houston and for being a remarkable advocate in bringing people together to resolve environmental issues.