Wild and Rare: Tracking Endangered Species in the Upper Midwest

by Adam Regn Arvidson

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.

Adam Regn Arvidson, a talented science reporter and genial guide, uncovers the stories of these plants and animals, providing compelling views of the state's northern pine forest, deciduous forest, and prairie landscapes. 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Environment, Science, Ecology

320 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2018

Reviews

[Alli Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful detailed story with a chapter dedicated to each Species in Minnesota on the endangered species national list. A wonderful read - it follows people tracking species from moss ferns to prairies flowers, minnows, Lynx, Wolves and orchids

[Stuart Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning about endangered species close to my minnesota home!

[Anna Scheunemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arvidson did a great job of integrating first hand accounts of researching endangered species with beautiful descriptions of wildlife across Minnesota.

[Nicole Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild and Rare Is another book I was required to read for my job, but it did captivate my attention. It combined two my favorite subjects case studies and animal biology. The book essentially was an description of animals that are rare in the Midwest. It also made me sad to read about the Endangered species. I wouldn't suggest reading this if you love wild animals.

[Tracy Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Favorite book so far this year! Loved his writing style and information.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don’t read nonfiction, but this book was amazing. It’s now one of my new favorite books, up there in the nonfiction section with Heads in Beds and Devil in the White City.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me so much about the different landscapes of my home state, and the fantastic rare creatures and flora that hide out here. Lovely, dedicated prose reporting.