Wild and Rare: Tracking Endangered Species in the Upper Midwest. Minnesota Historical Society Press, April 2018.
Order from MN Historical Society Press
What can endangered species tell us about our part of the world? What can they tell us about us?
The elusive Canada lynx bears kittens in Minnesota’s northeastern woods. In the far southeastern part of the state, the succulent Leedy’s roseroot clings to cold cliffs. On the northwestern grasslands, the western prairie fringed orchid grows only on ancient glacial beach ridges. In the rivers of the Twin Cities metro area, the snuffbox mussel snaps on a fish’s nose to give its larvae a temporary home. These species and fifteen others living in Minnesota are on the federal Endangered Species List.
Readers learn how beach driving in Texas affects Minnesota’s northernmost bird; how ranchers feel about prairie minnows; how urban runoff affects rivers and therefore mussels; how the wolf ended up in court. Scientists, orchid-hounds, lawyers, and nature lovers weigh in on the value and benefit of rare species—and their right to exist.
This book is an entertaining and educational journey through Minnesota’s diverse landscapes, one wild and rare inhabitant at a time.
For samples, check out “Blushing Fish” from the 2012 Briar Cliff Review and “Lines on the Prairie” from the Spring 2012 Michigan Quarterly Review.
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Nature Writing in America. Numero Cinq. 2012.
Available in its entirety as a “digital book.”
Also available as a limited edition printed book. Contact Adam via Adam(at)AdamRegnArvidson.com to purchase your copy.
Features six personal/historical essays and one craft essay inspired by mid-20th Century environmental writers.
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Greening the Landscape. W.W. Norton. 2012.
From the Norton catalog:
A guide to improving the environmental performance of any landscape through the use of green construction and maintenance. Landscapes create obvious environmental benefits but can have unrecognized negative impacts. Arvidson outlines the five primary problem issues—plant pots, vehicle fuel, energy consumption, water/fertilizer use, and green waste—and details a variety of practices, ranging from exceedingly simple ideas to long-term investments, for making the installation and upkeep of landscapes more green.
Adam Regn Arvidson 