Description
Book SynopsisStephen R. Jones’s essays explore the natural and cultural history of the Sandhills, giving special attention to the engaging and fragile beauty of the public-private ecosystems that surround and comprise the Crescent Lake National Wildlife area in western Nebraska.
Trade Review"Stephen Jones' personal experiences in the Nebraska Sandhills, one of North America's most enchanting environments, as well as his expression of what those experiences mean to him, have produced a remarkable book."—John Janovy, Jr.,
Nebraska History"In the tradition of Aldo Leopold, Henry Thoreau, and Gary Snyder comes Stephen R. Jones; in place of Wisconsin or Walden comes eastern Nebraska. A culmination of almost four decades of visits and observations in the Nebraska Sandhills,
Nourishing Waters, Comforting Sky displays Jones's mastery and love of both birds and prairie."—Ande Peersen, H-Environment
“If you want to experience what poet Wendell Berry calls ‘the peace of wild things,’ read
Nourishing Waters, Comforting Sky. Stephen Jones lends us his naturalist’s eye and compassionate sensibility . . . to bring us intimately close to this natural treasure of subtle and stunning beauty.”—Chris Hoffman, author of
The Hoop and the Tree“
Nourishing Waters, Comforting Sky stands brilliantly at the confluence of science, history, and poetry. Only Stephen Jones, the Thoreau of the Nebraska Sandhills, could so powerfully reveal the mystery of one of the last remaining wild places.”—Christina Nealson, author of
Living on the Spine and Drive Me Wild
“This is almost spiritual reading. Jones has an intimate knowledge of the Sandhills, and he combines that beautifully with reflections on the human experience. . . . Jones writes with grace, passion, and love for the world.”—John J. O’Keefe, professor of theology and journalism at Creighton University and producer of the documentary film
Waves in the Sandhills“Stephen Jones offers a very personal expression of the intimate relationship he has honed with the Sandhills, camping there solo for more than thirty-five years. Jones shares his connection to this vast oasis through his observation and understanding of natural history, spiritual love of nature, and Native American folklore. . . . Eloquent.”—Ann Marie Odasz, a botanical consultant and a retired professor of botany
Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note
Portal in the Sky
Timpsula
Owls
Feather’s Touch
Ojo de Agua
Dawn Chorus
Shorebirds in the Grass
Swan Lake
Black Cherry Moon
Milkweed Silk
Snow Blows like Spirits in the Sun
Popping Trees
Turtle Tears
Circles of Life
Path of Souls
Grace
Sacred Gifts
Fallen Star
Acknowledgments
Notes
