Thomas Dean & Steve Semken "Nature Writing & Publishing"

When the Leopold Heritage Group invited Thomas Dean of Iowa City to discuss the book "Grace of Grass & Water" on May 4, it was with the idea of introducing another Midwest nature writer, Paul Gruchow. Although I knew that Tom had one of the essays in the book, which contains tributes by several well-known authors to Gruchow, their colleague, I didn't realize that he had been a very valued and personal friend. The essays in "Grace..." are moving and thoughtful reflections on the varied encounters and relationships the writers had with Gruchow, whose death by suicide was tragically anticipated. He was an eloquent writer with a sense of the importance of community and an affinity for the boundary waters of Canada/Minnesota, the prairies of Dakotas and Montana, as expressed in several books including" "Grass Roots: The Universe of Home", "Journal of a Prairie Year", and The Necessity of Empty Spaces". (NOTE: The Burlington Public Library now has a copy of "Grace of Grass & Water"). After Thomas Dean shared his comments, Steve Semken publisher of Ice Cube Press, North Liberty, Ia, addressed the audience at the Arts For Living Center, Burlington. Steve first developed a newsletter entitled "Sycamore Roots" which he shared with such noted writers as Wendell Berry, Wes Jackson, Barry Lopez and when they responded favorably he was encouraged to continue in the publishing venue. He is particularly interested in "place-based" writings and his list of successful books continues to grow.

Although this was the last program formally scheduled by the Leopold Heritage Group for 2008, members will continue to support community efforts to raise awareness of Aldo Leopold and his writings. The ecological balance which he investigated and spoke about, is still relevant today.

We are grateful to HUMANITIES IOWA, THE RAND LECTURE TRUST, BURLINGTON FINE ARTS LEAGUE for funding support for speakers and the "Wild Words & Art" contest awards.
Thanks very much to the Burlington Hawk Eye for promotion of the series of programs, the informative articles, the contest, for the "blog"and, also, to other area media. Thanks to Des Moines Co. Conservation Foundation for acting as fiscal agent. The film series at the Burlington Public Library and accessible meeting rooms there were real assets to our programs. Special thanks to all the committee members: Jerry & Lois Rigdon, Randy Miller, Kim Perlstein, Dave Riley, Judy Johnson, Rhonda Frevert, Steve Brower, LaVon Worley, Dan Ring, Ed Whitmore, Elaine Baxter, Robert Sayre.