Spring, like the cry of a newborn baby, is God’s way of telling us that life will go on, and that hope springs eternal.
— Spider Lake (Chapter 2)
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It's hard to believe that another spring has arrived. At this time last year, I was signing preorders for Musky Run. Spring is a busy season around here with prescribed burns, putting in the garden, bringing up wood to dry over the summer, and so on. It is also the start again of book event road trips. This is why I write by the wood stove during the winter.
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I’m thrilled that so many of you are looking forward to book five; I am too. The new book involves a lot of interesting research. We are still hoping to have it for you around the time the maples turn red. My wife, Victoria, manages our social media and communications, and she will, no doubt, make sure you know when it is available for pre-order.
Recently I was able to talk with folks at the Reedsburg Public Library as well as with students at Fox River Academy in Appleton. The seventh and eighth graders had just finished reading Figure Eight with their teacher. They attend an environmentally-focused school similar to the fictional Northern Lakes Academy. For years, I made weekly trips to this school and others to help the students and their teachers with conservation field projects.
People are surprised when they find out that schools like the one in my books really exist. Let me tell you—they not only exist, but they are flourishing. It is amazing to see how people build a relationship with the outdoors. From a professional standpoint, working with these schools is the best thing I’ve ever done. If you want in a more in-depth look at one of these schools, you can download a free copy of Hands On, Feet Wet: The Story of River Crossing Environmental Charter School.
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This winter we upgraded our website and online store, changed up how we share news with you, and continue to try to hone our operations to balance this author and family life. We try not to bombard you with emails, and if anything ever doesn't look right on your end, or if you have trouble with an order, don't ever hesitate to reach out. We are working on adding hardcover, large print, and audio for all titles. In February we said goodbye to Estella Leopold, Aldo Leopold's youngest child. I will never be able to thank the Leopold family enough for their support over the years. They were instrumental in my conservation career, stepping up to embrace a different approach to restoration.
In chapter 10 of Musky Run, John Cabrelli finds himself deep in thought about the "importance of being a part of the space you occupy" and references Leopold's A Sand County Almanac as he considers his ethics. While Leopold's children are gone, the young people attending environmental schools across Wisconsin and beyond are learning they are part of the ecological community and will no doubt grow to be great leaders. I appreciate your engagement online and patronage of your libraries and bookstores. We have more requests for events than we can possibly manage right now. While this is a great problem to have, I don't want to disappoint any of you, and hope you know how grateful I am for your support. We are scheduling events one season at a time, and you can see below (and online) where I'll be in the next few months.
Thank you for all the emails, comments, likes, and shares. Like I recently posted online, you are the reason John and Julie's story continues.
Happy Trails,
Jeff
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