Restoring Prairie, Woods, and Pond

Starred review from January 15, 2023
"When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." The Eagle Nature Trail in Eagle, Wisconsin, spans vast acres and centuries, although the idea of restoring it was conceived only in 2009. The gradual transformation of an impassable wasteland choked by invasive species into three discrete and diverse ecosystems frames Lawlor's research into the area's history. In accessible language, she chronicles the glacial origins of Eagle, the arrival of Indigenous peoples, "Euro-American" colonization and agricultural expansion, and the area's eventual devastation and renewal. Although her descriptions of past happenstance sometimes fill the proverbial gaps a bit fancifully, the relish with which this research has been undertaken rings clearly in every word, holding reader attention throughout. Returning to the nature trail, a waltz through the four seasons explores how the trail brings the local community together, acting as a natural classroom and drawing volunteers from all walks of life to maintain the sanctity of the land they helped the wilds reclaim. Peppered with bright, almost bucolic photographs and quotes from local sources and free from the burden of proselytizing, this is more than a simple account of a wilderness restoration project. This is activism at its most accessible: the beautiful struggles of a region and community to make a large difference in a small world. A magical and timely story of ecosystems restored to their former glory. (bibliography, source notes, photo credit, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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October 20, 2023

Gr 4 Up-A delightful work that reads like a love letter to the Eagle Nature Trail in Wisconsin. Readers learn about the past struggles and former glory of this special field and forest that has a seasonal pond. They are invited to follow along the journey of the small community's efforts to create a nature trail and restore the surrounding prairie. Detailed descriptions of flora and fauna will excite aspiring biologists. Also included is a complete history of this section of land-how it was abandoned and neglected as a dumping ground-then revived and restored to serve as an incredible living laboratory for students. Various story walk opportunities are possible throughout the year thanks to a vibrant partnership with the local library. Service-learning opportunities abound. Social studies and science teachers will be able to mine this book for a wealth of lessons, rich with photos and charts. Students with an interest in social studies will appreciate the author's efforts to connect larger events in history with the story of the prairie. The book's vocabulary can be challenging, but with guidance, or perhaps as a class read-aloud, this story could inspire similar projects at schools across the country. VERDICT This thoroughly and painstakingly researched book could serve as a blueprint for others seeking to revitalize similar areas. Highly recommended for school library collections.-Darby Wallace

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