Jeff Ryan’s new book, This Land Was Saved for You and Me, traces the path from Frederick Law Olmsted’s first wanderings in Yosemite in 1864 to the signing of The Wilderness Act a century later. Along the way, we meet well-known advocates for America’s lands and waters, but importantly, we also meet many lesser-known people who gave their all to protect forests and wilderness areas before they would be gone forever. This Land will make its Maine debut at our event and books will be available for purchase and signing.
During the talk, Jeff will ask “What made Olmsted, Olmsted?" and explore the idea that Olmsted’s varied career and artist’s eye led him to develop a sensibility about maintaining landscapes while minimizing manmade structures.
Native Mainer Jeff Ryan is an outdoor author, adventurer, photographer, and historian. He has written several books and documentary films about his outdoor exploits, his fascination with hiking trails, and the people who made America's public lands possible.