Mountain & Prairie Book Club discussion

Howdy! My name's Ed Roberson, and I live in Colorado Springs, CO. I'm a ranch broker, conservationist, and unexpected podcast host. When I'm not working, playing in the mountains, or spending time with my family, I'm reading-- particularly non-fiction related to the history, ecology, and people of the American West. You can find me on Instagram at @mtnprairie.

I'm excited to get to know all of you better as we read books, exchange ideas, and learn from each another.

Hey guys, Mark Kenyon here. I’m a hunter/angler/conservationist/hiker/backpacker/outdoor writer and founder of WiredToHunt.com and the Wired To Hunt Podcast. I’m also one of those sad souls who’s heart is in the West, but who’s permanent residence is not. Still, I’ve managed to spend 2-4 months a year in the promised land over the last few years and plan to ramp that up even further. I’m an absolute book nut and the American West dominates my shelves. Been wanting to find a book club I would actually be interested in and be able to engage with - and this might be it!

Nice work with the podcast and book recommendations Ed.

Howdy Folks!
Josh Olschewski here I’m a Saddler Podcaster and Rancher out of Utah ...love this idea appreciate they opportunity to join!

Hi everyone!

I'm Ryan from Los Angeles. About a year ago I realized I was put on the earth to be involved in wilderness and wildlife conservation. Now I'm trying to figure out how to do that. Found Ed's show by searching for podcasts with Dan Flores on them and I'm hooked! I love the West, I'm fascinated by the buffalo, and I cannot wait to learn more with you all!

Hi everyone!
My name is Sam, and I live in Massachusetts. Though I am not from the west, it is a place that has always felt like home each time I go. My last two trips were spent deep diving through Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and then North through Alberta to Jasper National. The mountains are one of the very few places where I feel absolute peace, and the scale and grandeur of the Rockies is like no other.

I live on a little 10 acre farm in western MA, with 5 horses, a dog, cat and chickens. We abut conservation land and I get to appreciate the small bit of nature around me despite our crazy high populations on the east coast. I am so excited to be in this book club with people who have the same excitement for the west that I do, and live vicariously through those who call it home!

Mark wrote: "Hey guys, Mark Kenyon here. I’m a hunter/angler/conservationist/hiker/backpacker/outdoor writer and founder of WiredToHunt.com and the Wired To Hunt Podcast. I’m also one of those sad souls who’s h..."

Welcome aboard, Mark! Thanks for signing up and I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on American Wolf as well as all the others we read. I really admire your website, podcast, and the life/career you've managed to build around your passions.

Also, congrats on the new kiddo! Take it from me, being a dad is a super-cool deal!

7o wrote: "Howdy Folks!
Josh Olschewski here I’m a Saddler Podcaster and Rancher out of Utah ...love this idea appreciate they opportunity to join!"

Welcome Josh! I love Utah! Going to Moab in February. Thanks for signing up... Excited to get to know you.

Ryan wrote: "Hi everyone!

I'm Ryan from Los Angeles. About a year ago I realized I was put on the earth to be involved in wilderness and wildlife conservation. Now I'm trying to figure out how to do that. Foun..."

Glad to see that you signed up Ryan! Knowing how much you admire Dan, this should be an interesting book for you... and for me!

Sam wrote: "Hi everyone!
My name is Sam, and I live in Massachusetts. Though I am not from the west, it is a place that has always felt like home each time I go. My last two trips were spent deep diving throug..."

Hi Sam, Sounds like you've hit some of the best places in the West, and that you've got a great thing going in MA! Thanks for signing up!

Hey! I’m Charles (Chip) Parker and I live in Prescott (Preskitt), Arizona with my two trail dogs Poncho (heeler) and Samma (husky mix). Prescott is a smallish mountain town in northern Arizona. I’m stoked to join the group and dig in to the first book!

Chip wrote: "Hey! I’m Charles (Chip) Parker and I live in Prescott (Preskitt), Arizona with my two trail dogs Poncho (heeler) and Samma (husky mix). Prescott is a smallish mountain town in northern Arizona. I’m..."

Thanks for joining, Chip! Excited to hear what you think of the book.

Hey everyone, Clayton Smith here, I am a veterinarian/rancher/hunter/outdoorsman located in the Sandhills of Nebraska. I am looking forward to reading some new books and hearing some different perspectives from everyone.

Hi all, I'm Emily from Pennsylvania/Maryland, an urban dweller with a soul in the outdoors. I love reading about all kinds of places and will be heading to Colorado and SE Idaho this summer. I've studied conservation for most of my adult life and am interested to learn about varying perspectives. Found Ed's podcast through Jillian, whose blog I've followed for nearly a decade.

Hello! My name is Sam, I'm a senior about to graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this May with a BS in Animal Sciences. No, I don't want to be a vet. I'm looking forward to a career as an educator, be that at a zoo, National Park, or other animal- or natural world- related environment. I've been listening to Ed's podcast to get my "West" fix, something hard to come by in the suburban Midwest. I've always dreamed of living in big sky country.
I love taking care of animals and the environment, and protecting them for the natural wonders they are. I'm so looking forward to reading more! I've already started American Wolf and I'm loving it so far.

Clayton wrote: "Hey everyone, Clayton Smith here, I am a veterinarian/rancher/hunter/outdoorsman located in the Sandhills of Nebraska. I am looking forward to reading some new books and hearing some different pers..."

Clayton! Thanks for joining up with us. Nebraska's Sandhills.... what a special place! Excited to get to know you.

Emily wrote: "Hi all, I'm Emily from Pennsylvania/Maryland, an urban dweller with a soul in the outdoors. I love reading about all kinds of places and will be heading to Colorado and SE Idaho this summer. I've s..."

Hi Emily, Glad you found us through the podcast and also glad to hear you'll be heading out West this summer. Let me know if you need any hiking or adventure recommendations!

Sam wrote: "Hello! My name is Sam, I'm a senior about to graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this May with a BS in Animal Sciences. No, I don't want to be a vet. I'm looking forward to..."

Hey Sam! Thanks for signing up and for listening to the podcast. And congrats on almost being done with school... quite an accomplishment. I just started the book last night and am also enjoying it so far. Look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Hello from Texas! I am Maryalice and after 38 years in public education have shifted to a part time position to allow for more time to pursue other interests. Or at least that was the idea! I am an educator/reader/writer/chief shepherdess at our farm (Angora goats, sheep, alpacas, horses, pigs, chickens, bees) /seamstress/hiker/camper/photographer. With family spread from Alberta, Canada to Oregon to Wyoming and California, I spent every summer on the road to see family. We tent camped the entire way always working in national parks, state parks, nature - something I now treasure having done. While Texas is my home state and I value our beauty, it is the "West" that truly has captured my heart and spirit since I was a child. I spend as much time as I can feeding that passion as I am of the age now that I realize just how valuable every minute of every day truly is.

Hello Everyone! Chris from Denver here. I'm a water resources engineer by day focusing on water supply planning and water rights for ranchers, cities, and the environment. When not tinkering on models and spreadsheets you can usually find me fly fishing, skiing, out on a trail somewhere, or enjoying the company of family and friends. I am a long-time listener of Ed's podcast and have learned so much through these amazing stories and interviews. With a little one on the way, I am anticipating a little more time at the homestead over the next year, perfect for reading up about the West! Super excited to share and learn from everyone in the group. Cheers!

MaryAlice wrote: "Hello from Texas! I am Maryalice and after 38 years in public education have shifted to a part time position to allow for more time to pursue other interests. Or at least that was the idea! I am an..."

Glad to see that you signed up MaryAlice, and great to hear more about your background. Thanks so much for joining.. and for letting us know your thoughts on American Wolf.

Chris wrote: "Hello Everyone! Chris from Denver here. I'm a water resources engineer by day focusing on water supply planning and water rights for ranchers, cities, and the environment. When not tinkering on mod..."

Hey Chris, thanks for signing up and for listening to the podcast for so long. Sounds like we may have some overlap in our work as well. If you have any good books recs about water in the West I'd love to hear them. And congrats on the impending arrival... fatherhood is a very cool deal. You'll love it!

Hey everyone, I'm Ryley! I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, hopped around a bit during/after college, and landed in McKinney (just north of Dallas!). I've always deeply loved the West and feel most at home in the mountains, but recently I'm learning gratitude for my own home state and the outdoor opportunities right in my backyard. I studied journalism, longform writing in particular, and currently work in media marketing and write independently on the side. I've always had trouble finding the right language to describe the "weird" :) niche interests I wanted to write about, though, and finding the Mountain & Prairie podcast was SO much fun because it helped give me that! Not only do I know how to explain my love for the outdoors, western culture, and conservation a little better; I know there's a whole group of people who share it! Always a fun feeling. Starting the book today and can't wait to discuss with everyone.

Hello, I am Margaret, a native Oregonian. I love where I live and I love spending time exploring all areas of my home state as well as other wonders of the West. My other passion in life is reading. I found the Mountain and Prairie Book Club through the RM Land Library, and I'm looking forward to some stimulating reading. I just started American Wolf and can hardly put it down!

Amandine wrote: "Hello from France,
I am a Young french girl of soon 21 . I was born and raised in France. I am a student on equivalent of associate degree for to be secretary/ceo assistant. And on my account you c..."

Hi Amandine! Thanks so much for joining us. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the book, especially coming from your unique European perspective!

Ryley wrote: "Hey everyone, I'm Ryley! I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, hopped around a bit during/after college, and landed in McKinney (just north of Dallas!). I've always deeply loved the West and feel..."

Hi Ryley,

So glad that you signed up and I'm glad to hear that you've enjoyed the podcast. I agree with you-- I thought I was the only one with such a "weird" combination of niche interests... turns out there are tons of us! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the book.

Margaret wrote: "Hello, I am Margaret, a native Oregonian. I love where I live and I love spending time exploring all areas of my home state as well as other wonders of the West. My other passion in life is reading..."

Hi Margaret,

Thanks so much for signing up. How amazing is the Rocky Mountain Land Library??!! They are doing such important work. I interviewed Jeff on the podcast and visited the ranch this fall-- it's such a special place. Great to hear from you!

Hello everyone, I'm Jill. I was born, raised and still live in Morrison, Colorado. My maternal family, the Tyler's, homesteaded just west of here in Shawnee, CO by the Ben Tyler Trail in the Lost Creek Wilderness area. I grew up hiking, fishing and collecting berries/mushrooms around the homestead. Hunting, fly fishing and just listening to the mountain winds with my family continue to be my most favorite things. I love the west. All of it.

I backed into this wonderful podcast (and now book group) via a curiosity about a ranch that my husband and I saw for sale when we were coming home from our last elk hunt near Parshall . What a lucky detour. It is a pleasure to be here.

Ed wrote: "Chris wrote: "Hello Everyone! Chris from Denver here. I'm a water resources engineer by day focusing on water supply planning and water rights for ranchers, cities, and the environment. When not ti..."

Hey Ed - A Ditch in Time: The City, The West, and Water by Patricia Limerick and Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner are both great. Another good one is Unquenchable by Robert Glennon. One book that is on my "to read" list is Water is for Fighting Over: and Other Myths about Water in the West by John Fields.

As you can imagine there are numerous books out there, but I think these would provide a great overview. Limerick's book is focused on how Denver developed it's water supply system so it may be of particular interest for Coloradans on the Front Range.

~Chris

How'do! I'm Trent, and I'm from Northeast Oklahoma. My interest in the West stems from my experiences as a member of a Native American tribe (and I work for a tribe in OK in the Division of Ag and Natural Resources), a rancher/agriculturist, and a policy nerd. I have a BS in Agricultural Education and Animal Science from OK State and will graduate in May with an MPA from OU. So, I'm more than thrilled to expand my perspective with insight from all of you, the podcast (awesome work, Mr. Roberson, I'm hooked!), and these books! Thanks for the opportunity to learn!

Jill wrote: "Hello everyone, I'm Jill. I was born, raised and still live in Morrison, Colorado. My maternal family, the Tyler's, homesteaded just west of here in Shawnee, CO by the Ben Tyler Trail in the Lost C..."

Hi Jill,

So glad you happened upon the podcast and that you're joining us in the book club. I love the area where your family homesteaded-- that Lost Creek Wilderness area is a surprisingly unknown and underrated area of CO. Wild and beautiful.

Trenton wrote: "How'do! I'm Trent, and I'm from Northeast Oklahoma. My interest in the West stems from my experiences as a member of a Native American tribe (and I work for a tribe in OK in the Division of Ag and ..."

Hey Trent, thanks for joining in, and I'm so glad to know you've enjoyed the podcast. I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on this book and the others, given your extensive background in ag. Look forward to learning from you.

Hey everyone! My name is Palinor and I live in the sierra nevada foothills. I'm currently back in school, majoring in rangeland ecology with and emphasis on sustainable ranching. I'm an avid mountain biker, climber, backpacker, and horseback rider. One of the most amazing and inspiring places to me is the American West and I am passionate about conserving it.

Hey there! I'm Haley Nord, I'm a wedding photographer in Utah that focuses on shooting in the Southwest. I call Salt Lake home but spend a good chunk of my time exploring Utah's Canyon Country. I grew up hanging with my grandpa in Utah's West Desert and still love spending time out there riding motorcycles, hiking and being still. Happy to be here, thank you for starting this club!

Hi everyone! I'm Erin. I grew up in the southern Appalachian mountains and now live in the Pacific Northwest. I took a circuitous route through the backcountry of Alaska, Texas, and California before landing in Oregon. I am a conservation geneticist for a federal land management agency and have the privilege of exploring the wild places public lands protect. I plan healthy forests of the future by tromping deep into the woods and climbing big trees. I spend my free time in the mountains via mountain bike and boots.

I'm looking forward to this book club. I hope to read about a diversity of topics from a diverse set of authors and hear others' perspectives on the West.

Brian here. Born and raised outside of Asheville NC. I’m an avid outdoorsman and participate in all the usual past times. My wife and two sons took our first family trip out west to Jackson and Yellowstone last June. It was an amazing trip. When I got back home I found Ed’s podcast and it has help maintain that connection to the West. This first book has been amazing so far and I wish I read it prior to my trip. Thanks again Ed for making this happen. BK

Hello! My book finally arrived in the mail yesterday, so I'm excited to finally jump in here. I moved to rural south-central Montana on a whim and a prayer about six years ago and fell in love with the landscape and community, although part of my heart is still on my family's farm and ranch in western Nebraska.

My work took me to live in Ohio for a few years prior to this, and I could never explain to a non-Westerner what it was that made me feel so terribly not at home there. When I quit my job and abruptly announced I was moving to a tiny town in Montana that I had never been to nor knew anyone in, my friends thought I had lost my mind. Fair enough. But when they came to visit — their first time out West — it only took a day for them to say, "Ah…. I get it now. You belong out here."

That understanding between people who just know they belong in the West is what draws me to the Mountain and Prairie podcast. I love hearing the journeys and creative expressions and important issues Ed and his guests share. I'm looking forward to hearing others' thoughts in this book club!

Hi everyone! I'm Jeremy Krones, originally from Maryland but now from Flagstaff, AZ. I manage an environmental nonprofit, the Diablo Trust, dedicated to rangeland conservation, sustainable cattle ranching, and collaborarive land management. I really look forward to this book club!

Hi y'all! I'm Shelly Burnett. I live in Grapeland TX, a small east TX community. I'm a cowboy/rancher's wife, a Mom to two musician sons, a hunter, camper, cyclist and outdoor enthusiast! I'm also an avid reader and cannot wait to dive into this book club!

Hi, I am Catherine, I am originally from Texas and spent a great deal of my time in West Texas. During my undergrad days, I studied Native American art and I currently live in Oklahoma. The west has a large place in my heart! I am so excited about American Wolf as the book selection. I gave it to my boyfriend for Valentine's Day...so looks like I am taking it back...oops!

Hello! I’m Darcie, a native-born, 4th Generation Coloradan. I’m diving into both a 2018 reading challenge and a new job in conservation here in the Centennial State. I have always been a mountain girl, and am excited to dive into this group and the books!

Howdy, folks. I’m Jess and I’m a New Englander who recently transplanted to a tiny dot on the map in northeast Oregon where I live on a 160-acre, off-grid ranch. I’m a biologist and an avid reader who looks forward to learning more about the west through discussions here. I’m a mustang owner too, and would love to see Wild Horse Country by David Phillips as a future club book!

Hi there. My name is Daniel Sullivan. I recently moved back to Minnesota after stints in Chicago, D.C. and seven great years in Denver, Colorado. While MN is home now, my head and heart are still in the west. I am an avid fly fisherman, nascent upland bird hunter and lover of all things outdoors. Looking forward to the great book suggestions here.

Hola, I'm a firefighter in Los Angeles and spend quite a bit of that involved in wildland firefighting. While it may seem strange to those from out of CA, but I'm an avid hunter, hiker, fly-fisherman and spear fisherman etc. Love reading and am glad to find a few kindred souls with the same interests. I've got 2 boys under 3 so also in the new parenthood club. Fight for reading time! Thanks for setting up the group Ed. And thank you for the podcast, it's my most listened to and it's really been improving each episode!

-Cody

Hello, Mountain & Prairie Book Club. I’m Aaron Oelger, a 5th generation Missourian that lives in my home state but loves the west. As a child, my dad moved to us to Colorado Springs for several years so he could attend seminary. Even after we moved back to Missouri after his graduation, we kept returning to the West to play.

Years later, my wife and I still live in and love Missouri but our hearts are in the West. Favorite locations are Crested Butte, Bozeman and Yellowstone. I am passionate about conservation and serve as a volunteer with the Mule Deer Foundation, so I’m usually at the MDF office in Salt Lake for meetings 3-5 times a year. I also work in the outdoor industry, so a lot of my travels (and hunts) occur in the West.

My reading reflects my passions, so favorite topics are history, autobiographies, hunting (especially early 1900s Africa), flyfishing and conservation. I have shelves in my library focused on folks like John Gierach, Rick Bass, Gene Hill, Robert Ruark, Teddy Roosevelt and John Henry Patterson.

I’ve read several of Ed’s recommendations, simply because I think we have similar interests. I’m a relative newcomer to the Mountain & Prairie podcast, but I’m mostly caught up on the podcasts and look forward to learning more about the West from the reading topics.

Cody wrote: "Hola, I'm a firefighter in Los Angeles and spend quite a bit of that involved in wildland firefighting. While it may seem strange to those from out of CA, but I'm an avid hunter, hiker, fly-fisherm..."

Hey Cody. Looks like we share an interest in both TR and CS Lewis. Welcome!

Hello all, my name is Matt Volkmann. I’m new to the Mountain & Prairie Book Club as well as the Pod Cast. Discovered while road tripping from Central Missouri to the No-Till on the Plains conference in Wichita Ks. Regenerative agriculture is what drew me to the Pod Cast, but I’m a true romantic when it comes to the American West. During my childhood Zane Grey was required reading which was spawned by a grandfather that traveled somewhere south and west of Colorado Springs for over 20 years starting back in the late 1950’s. As I have grown older most of my reading has been more technical and instructive. I look forward to following your leads on reading material. First one out of the gate will be American Serengeti.

Hello, my name is Ellysse. I grew up in North Texas, but moved to Eastern Montana about a year ago. I work in public health and on my free time, I enjoy kayaking, backpacking, reading, and learning the banjo. I've been very interested in the rich history of Montana-my most recent read was The Red Corner: The Rise and Fall of Communism in Northeastern Montana by Verlaine Stoner McDonald.

I'm excited to learn more from this group!

Hi! I'm Helen.

I'm moderator of the book club at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St Petersburg, FL We're a face-to-face book club, but I did create a Goodreads page with a bookshelf for anyone interested in seeing what we've read or thought about reading. I read and chose Peter Heller's "The Painter" for our club after seeing it recommended here.

I'd like to recommend Timothy Egan's "Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis." Google Edward Curtis to see some of his amazing images of native life if you aren't familiar with his work. His life story is pretty incredible.

Come visit our museum if you're ever in St. Petersburg.

Hello all, My name is Jordan and I live in northern California on a ranch and when I am not working with horses I am practicing herbal medicine, doing organizational development for non-profits and spending lots of time outside.
I grew up with a mom who loved to read and she passed that on to me. I am a voracious reader and after listening to Ed's podcast I have started reading all of the various book recommendations.
So happy to get to be part of this group!

I am Maria and I live in western Montana. Without my time in the beauty of the outdoors and wild spaces my life would not be the same - I truly value where I live and what I can do in the beautiful West. I have a calling to become more involved in the conservation of our open spaces and I hope to find some inspiration here.