Jeff Olson presents Kindred Spirits

Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and a Golden Age of Nature Conservation. This book is the remarkable story of the huge step forward and beginnings of nature conservation in America during the Golden Age of 20 years from 1889-1909 that established a foundation and a foothold for nature and nature conservation in America.

The book compares the two giant extraordinary naturalist leaders of this Golden Age, the kindred spirits of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, with insight of their many strong similarities and their many strong differences in their family, upbringing, education, religion, personalities, naturalist knowledge, passion for nature, adventure treks, careers, advocacy, styles of leadership, naturalist writing, and more.

The book is the background story of two of America’s greatest naturalists and their outstanding actions that brought enormous accomplishments of nature conservation at a magnitude of size that dwarfs any other time or place. Interwoven throughout the book are the incredible words of naturalist writers from 32 literary quotations, and 14 photos from National Parks, National Monuments, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Forests that were established during the Golden Age.

The book explores the key factors of influence and turning points in the lives of Muir and Roosevelt that brought them monumental nature conservation accomplishments. The book asserts that the explosion of nature conservation in this twenty-year Golden Age was very improbable, at an improbable time, an improbable place, an improbable idea, an improbable size, and led by two improbable leaders.

A wonderful, insightful, book of American nature conservation, environmental history for park visitors, hikers, campers, adventurers, birders, and readers of biography and American history

Jeff Olson has served as the president and board member of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota; a commissioner of the Three Rivers Park District; and served as president and board member of the Fort Snelling State Park Association. He is the author and coauthor of several books: The Shot. The Reed Larson Hockey Story; Hockey Shot Guide; and Minnesota Hockey Greats. Homegrown Talent in the NHL. He serves as an arbitrator, teaches a community education course, Naturalist Writers, and lives with his wife, Sue, In Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Moderator, Jayson Sandeen, is a 32 year educator and coach at Eden Prairie High School. Sandeen is passionate about cultivating curiosity and excellence in his students and athletes. At Eden Prairie High School Sandeen is currently teaching Environmental Science, Biology, Botany/Horticulture, and Research and Design.