At the Forest's Edge: Memoir of a Physician-Naturalist

by David Tirrell Hellyer

Pediatrician David Hellyer (b. 1913) records his family history and the life experiences that led to his founding of the 600-acre Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary in Eatonville, Washington.

Genres: Nonfiction

376 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1986

Reviews

[Sara]

I read Hellyer’s memoir while serving with Northwest Trek Wildlife Park as the final destination in my 10 month AmeriCorps service term (shoutout Grizzly 4 and Class 31C). What a pleasure to learn about the man and family behind this beautiful park. My enjoyment of the book was multiplied by having experienced the serenity of Trek firsthand. I don’t know how much I would recommend the memoir, but I would highly recommend supporting the legacy of Doc and Connie Hellyer by visiting Northwest Trek if you happen to be in the Seattle/Tacoma/Eatonville area!

[Jeff Clausen]

A straightforward accounting of a life revolving around the author’s love of the outdoors and his work preserving and improving one corner of it. He found that observing nature can be a huge benefit to himself, his pediatric patients, and the rest of his world, be they wild animals, native plants or area residents. Well-written and occasionally illustrated, this volume traces a particular part of the Puget Sound that was logged until it was not hospitable to much of nature. Through many years of hard work by himself, his family and friends, he created a nature preserve that became a model of excellence. With a bit of drama and some humor, the story engages with its readers easily and offers hope that private citizens don’t necessarily have to wait for the government to create beautiful parks and preserves. We can all contribute in our own ways, and should try to assist others who feel the same.