Edge Effects: Notes from an Oregon Forest

by Chris Anderson

Buying his dream house several years ago on the forest's edge near Corvallis, Oregon, essayist Chris Anderson hoped to find the joys of rural living. Despite interminable Mr. Blandings experiences, he lived embowered by 12,000 acres of seemingly endless fir trees. But not for long. The McDonald-Dunn Forest was about to become the site of a disturbing research project. Little did Anderson know when he bought his house that, in addition to studying the ecological effects of clear-cutting, the researchers wanted to see how urban fringe dwellers might be affected too. The shock of that harvest compelled the essays in this vibrant, graceful record of the relationship between the forest and Anderson's life on its boundary.

207 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

About the author

Chris Anderson is professor of English at Oregon State University, a retreat leader, an author, blogger, and a Catholic deacon. An award-winning writer and teacher, he explores the struggle, joy, and doubt of contemporary spirituality through personal story & literary collage. He is the author of 14 previous books, including poetry and nonfiction, and was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. When not behind the writing desk, teaching podium, or altar, Chris is walking in the woods of McDonald Forest in Corvallis, Oregon. Visit his blog “The Imperfect Catholic” at www.deaconchrisanderson.com.

Reviews

[Georgejas]

Interesting read about someone who moves out of the city next to an experimental forest and is at first upset and then pleased as they learn more about the experimental logging happening in their backyard, and how gaps in the canopy can boost biomes in the forest.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to Chris Anderson, the poet, at a poetry reading. I discovered this 1993 selection of essays at a used book sale. His reflections on adaptation to his environment and acceptance of change is very well done.

[Jsfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author writes essays - living on the edge of a forest and discovering a balance between green and development. Very well written and honest exploration of complex issues