The Prairie Keepers: Secrets of the Zumwalt

A Presentation with Author & Wildlife Biologist Marcy Houle

Wednesday, August 12 

6:30PM

Join us for a special evening with author and wildlife biologist Marcy Houle as she presents The Prairie Keepers: Secrets of the Zumwalt: Past, Present, and (exciting) Future.

The Zumwalt Prairie is one of the last remaining native bunchgrass prairies in the United States and one of the most remarkable grassland ecosystems in North America. Spanning nearly 200 square miles, this vast landscape supports one of the highest concentrations of native buteo hawks in North America and continues to thrive through the careful stewardship of local cattle ranchers and conservation partners.

Marcy Houle first studied the Zumwalt Prairie nearly 45 years ago, documenting its exceptional grasslands and bird populations. Years later, she returned to discover that this extraordinary ecosystem remained a place of wonder, vitality, and resilience.

In this engaging presentation, Houle will share stories from her award-winning book, The Prairie Keepers: Secrets of the Zumwalt, recognized as a New York Times Best Book for Earth Day and praised as “a lively record and particularly effective portrait of an ecosystem.” Through readings, historic and contemporary photographs, and insights from her years as a wildlife biologist, Houle will explore what makes the Zumwalt Prairie so unique—including the science behind its health, the people who help care for it, and what the future may hold for this treasured landscape.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about one of Oregon’s most extraordinary places from one of its longtime champions.

Marcy Cottrell Houle, MS, is a professional wildlife biologist and the award-winning author of
eight books. Two of her books – Wings for My Flight: The Peregrine Falcons of Chimney Rock
and The Gift of Caring – each received the national Christopher Award “For books that affirm
the highest values of the human spirit.” Her book The Prairie Keepers: Secrets of the Zumwalt
was selected by the New York Times as a Notable Book and Best Book for Earth Day. She has
written books on Oregon – A Generous Nature – Lives transformed by Oregon, and on
Portland’s Forest Park – Forest Park: Exploring Portland’s Natural Sanctuary. She is a
contributing opinion writer for the New York Times and LA Times and written for the Nature
Conservancy Magazine, Cricket Magazine for Children, Readers Digest, and the New York
Times. Marcy lives with her family on a small farm on Sauvie Island, Oregon.