Wild on Purpose: The American Prairie Story and the Art of Thinking Bigger

by Sean Gerrity

Is it possible to make more nature?

In 2001, a small team of ordinary citizens set out on an audacious effort to establish one of the largest wildlife reserves ever created—bigger than Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks combined. But founding American Prairie was just the beginning. To succeed, they would have to defy conventional wisdom, win over skeptical Montana neighbors, and restore vast areas of temperate grasslands for returning native bison, elk, pronghorn, birds, pollinators, and predators.

With humor and humility, Gerrity immerses readers in the obstacles, triumphs, and unwavering commitment that propelled this extraordinary journey. Wild on Purpose reveals what it takes to make real, lasting change and challenges us to move beyond saving what’s left of nature to making new wild spaces—for animals, the planet, the future, for ourselves.

336 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild on Purpose is an inspiring, grounded, and deeply human account of what it takes to think and act at the scale our planet now demands.

Sean Gerrity tells the story of American Prairie not as a triumphal conservation myth, but as a lived experiment in courage, patience, and persistence. What begins as an audacious idea to restore a wildlife reserve larger than Yellowstone and Glacier combined quickly becomes a lesson in humility, community building, and the long arc of meaningful change.

Gerrity excels at balancing vision with realism. He captures the wonder of restoring temperate grasslands and reintroducing native species like bison and pronghorn, while also honestly portraying the skepticism, setbacks, and neighborly tensions that inevitably arise when big ideas meet local realities. His voice is thoughtful, accessible, and quietly persuasive, making the book as much about people as it is about land.

What makes Wild on Purpose especially compelling is its central challenge: not merely to preserve what remains of the natural world, but to imagine and build new wild places. The book reframes conservation as an act of creation rather than retreat, inviting readers to reconsider what’s possible when imagination, science, and community align.

Ultimately, Wild on Purpose is about more than American Prairie. It’s a call to expand our sense of responsibility and possibility, reminding us that lasting change begins when ordinary people decide to think bigger than fear, precedent, or convenience. An essential read for anyone interested in conservation, leadership, or the future of wildness itself.

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild on Purpose is an inspiring and insightful account of what it takes to create lasting change in conservation. Sean Gerrity tells the story of the founding of American Prairiea wildlife reserve larger than Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks combined with a compelling mix of narrative, humor, and humility.

Through personal anecdotes, detailed accounts of ecological restoration, and reflections on the challenges of gaining community support, Gerrity highlights the audacity and vision required to rewild vast tracts of the American prairie. This book is not only a celebration of conservation but also a guide for thinking bigger, challenging assumptions, and acting boldly in the face of skepticism. It will resonate with environmentalists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in the power of ambitious ideas.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book expecting to learn more about the prairie ecosystem, and I did, but the primary focus was something I didn't anticipate.

Gerrity has used his skills as a consultant for building work teams in business environments as a foundation for creating American Prairie. He has also developed skills for introspection to create and maintain his personal and professional goals. That combination was focused on American Prairie until leaving it for others to continue in the future.

His story can be helpful in a variety of situations that have nothing to do with his application, and anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit might be pleasantly surprised by what they discover. Check out americanprairie.org for even more information.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The creation of American Prairie, one of the largest protected natural areas in the lower 48, is probably the most outstanding conservation success story of our times. In "Wild on Purpose" we get the full story on how this ambitious project was made a reality, from its founder and first CEO, Sean Gerrity. It is truly inspiring! When I first heard of the American Prairie project proposal back in 2003, I was definitely a naysayer, feeling it was overly ambitious and would never gain traction. I am so happy to have been proven very wrong! For those curious about American Prairie, as well as those contemplating how to make a difference in the future of our planet, there is much food for thought here.

[Douglas Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve known Sean since college (over 40 years) and he’s the real deal when it comes to thinking, planning, and following through to succeed. This book provides the amazing story of creating the American Prairie Organization and also provides great advice and detailed outlines on how to identify, plan, execute and succeed at your own life goals. Our family implemented the first steps when they were home for Thanksgiving and we all walked away with improved visions for our lives. This is an interesting and inspiring book.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially wanted to read this book because it is a story about "re-wilding" a large area of Montana prairie. The book turned out to be so much more than that story. It was also an autobiography, about the author who left a successful career in California to follow a dream and to start this amazing project. It is also an inspirational story for anyone who is searching for a way to make a meaningful contribution in any field.