Launch Party: July 11 in Stillwater.
Speaking events: July 9 in Marine on St. Croix & July 13 in Lake Elmo.
Two years ago, I took a week off of work, grabbed the dog, my computer, and an ample supply of red wine, chocolate, and coffee, and headed north to a cabin in the middle of nowhere Pine County, Minnesota to begin writing my first ever book.
It was February, and the snow was deep. The curtains in my rented cabin covered only two-thirds of each window, leaving me to wonder who or what might be watching me from the woods at night. By day, the dog and I explored Chengwatana State Forest and Banning State Park. At night, I sifted and sorted through photos and words, arranging them over and over until the story took shape. Now, two years later, this little book of mine finally makes its grand debut to the rest of the world.
Exploring St. Croix River Valley: Adventures On and Off the Water is a nature-based tour guide for our region that also incorporates environmental history, conservation stewardship stories, and lots of photos and anecdotes from my own adventures hiking, biking, canoeing, camping and showshoeing in the St. Croix River Watershed. You could think of it as a curated collection of destinations that highlight different parts of the watershed and different types of experiences -everything from hiking in the Lost Valley Prairie SNA to wild ricing with the Water Protectors in Moose Lake, Minnesota.
Equally important, this book is meant to inspire. I share numerous stories of people and organizations that are working to steward the prairies, woods, and waters of the St. Croix. A landscape revival is underway, and you are invited to join.
Next week is the official book launch, and I would love to see you at any of the scheduled events – especially the PARTY!
Meet me by a boat, over a beer, or in the woods next week!
- Tuesday, July 9 (5-8pm) – 4th Annual Boat Show and Author Talk at Burris Park in Marine on St. Croix (240 Judd St.). I’ll be speaking at 6pm and will be telling stories about adventures in and around Marine. You can also view beautiful hand-made boats on display and learn about wood-crafting.
- Thursday, July 11 (5-8pm) – BOOK LAUNCH PARTY at River Siren Brewing in Stillwater. This will be an open house style meet and greet (with book signings!) and is free and open to everyone. Books will be available for purchase from Valley Bookseller which is an awesome local book store that is located on the same block. We’ll have complimentary appetizers, as well as local brews for purchase (+ N/A options). As a bonus, the patio is dog-friendly! This event is hosted by UMN Press. RSVP at z.umn.edu/71124.
- Saturday, July 13 (10am-noon) – A Walk in the Woods at Sunfish Lake Park in Lake Elmo. Info and RSVP here. We’ll start with a hike in the woods and then head back to the nature center for a Q&A and book signing.
In addition, you can find a full list of upcoming author events at eastmetrowater.org/events. Hope to see you soon!
East Metro Water 