Restoring Prairie, Woods, and Pond (Books for a Better Earth)
by Laurie Lawlor (Author)
A small town with few resources comes together to restore nature and create a valuable resource for the entire community in this inspiring middle grade nonfiction book.
Restoring Prairie, Woods, and Pond is about activism at the community level—and tells how a small village transformed a city-owned dumping ground into a nature trail with three distinct ecosystems that runs from an elementary school to a public library and community center.
Filled with beautiful photos the book will explain how this trail became a valuable outdoor classroom during covid, a STEM teaching center, a respite for people young and old, and a place for community engagement. Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.
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Kirkus
A magical and timely story of ecosystems restored to their former glory.
School Library Journal
Gr 4 Up- A delightful work that reads like a love letter to the Eagle Nature Trail in Wisconsin. Readers learn about the past struggles and former glory of this special field and forest that has a seasonal pond. They are invited to follow along the journey of the small community's efforts to create a nature trail and restore the surrounding prairie. Detailed descriptions of flora and fauna will excite aspiring biologists. Also included is a complete history of this section of land-how it was abandoned and neglected as a dumping ground-then revived and restored to serve as an incredible living laboratory for students. Various story walk opportunities are possible throughout the year thanks to a vibrant partnership with the local library. Service-learning opportunities abound. Social studies and science teachers will be able to mine this book for a wealth of lessons, rich with photos and charts. Students with an interest in social studies will appreciate the author's efforts to connect larger events in history with the story of the prairie. The book's vocabulary can be challenging, but with guidance, or perhaps as a class read-aloud, this story could inspire similar projects at schools across the country. VERDICT This thoroughly and painstakingly researched book could serve as a blueprint for others seeking to revitalize similar areas. Highly recommended for school library collections.
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
★ "A magical and timely story of ecosystems restored to their former glory."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
JNF065000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Recycling & Green Living
JNF071000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Activism & Volunteering
Nature conservation
Restoration ecology
Nature trails
