In 2023, Dr. Josh Anderson left his career as a literature professor at the University of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut to return home to rural North Dakota. Today, he leads soil conservation efforts in his home county, which has lost over 50% of its topsoil (and its population) since Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962. Dr. Anderson also provides in-home care for his dad, who has battled multiple sclerosis since 1998.

Event Highlights:

• Author Talk: Dr. Anderson’s forthcoming book O-Horizon: Care/Work on American Soil ponders the essential questions: “How is soil erosion related to my dad’s deteriorating body? Is the loss of American soil related to our eroding faith in American democracy and institutions? Is soil erosion linked to my own eroding faith in the stories about rural America?”

• Q&A with Dr. Anderson and his sister, Jordana Anderson, a biologist and geologist for NatureServe. Together Josh and Jordana will discuss how care work for their father has inspired them to work with and care for the land.

• Writing with the land: Dr. Anderson may lead the planting of native grasses and forbs in the Pine Meadow Ranch pasture to close out the evening.

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited so registration is required.