Prairie Thunder *signed* [signed] [first edition]

Prairie Thunder takes viewers on an exciting visual journey across the eastern plains of Colorado. Most people associate Colorado's scenic wonders with its mountains, but where the Rockies give way to the grand sweep of America's Great Plains, there is a whole other landscape to discover and enjoy. Author and photographer Dave Showalter shares this incredibly diverse ecosystem through a stunning collection of photographs depicting its seasonal nuances. At the heart of the book is Dave's work at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge on the outskirts of Denver. Once home to chemical weapons factories, the refuge has been restored to a natural oasis, where bald eagles roam the skies and genetically pure bison have been returned to these lands for the first time in over 100 years. Dave details the conservation challenges of the Colorado prairie as well, describing what needs to be done, as well as the successful partnerships built by environmentalists and ranchers that have helped to preserve grand swaths of land from development. Prairie Thunder also includes a foreword by Richard Manning, foremost author on the world's grasslands. Richard weaves the tale of finding a fawn hidden in native grasses in his front yard with the story of how vital grasslands are to the health of the environment. Prairie Thunder has also been endorsed by Audubon Colorado, and is printed on high-quality recycled paper.