Debuts June 2025 — The Enduring Wild
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Forgotten Lands Project Founder Advocates for Enhanced Conservation of Public Lands
In a new book, Josh Jackson explores the overlooked wilderness of California’s public land and asks us to consider what makes a place worth protecting.
BERKELEY, CALIF. — Over fifteen million acres of California wilderness is governed by the Bureau of Land Management, one of the four federal agencies that oversee public lands across the United States. Yet this stunning swath of earth—more than double the total acreage of the state’s nine national parks—is mostly unknown to the Californians who own it. A weekend camping with his young children at the Trona Pinnacles, in the middle of the Mojave Desert, was Josh Jackson’s introduction to public land and the start of an obsession. Jackson set out to systematically visit every significant parcel of BLM land in California that he could access with the two-wheel-drive family van, exploring and photographing and documenting the state’s overlooked landscapes. The result is The Enduring Wild, the first-ever mainstream book focused on the history and conservation of BLM land.
The millions of acres maintained by the Bureau of Land Management—a tenth of all land in the United States—are unique because of how they came to be in the federal domain. Often referred to as “leftover lands,” these expanses are those that were passed over by other federal agencies, like the National Park Service and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Because of their reputation as “leftover,” the fate of BLM land has seemed inconsequential—an auspicious sentiment for the private interests subjecting it to overgrazing and unchecked extraction. If these lands continue to go unseen and unloved, who will notice when they disappear under the pressure to turn places into profits? How can we protect what we don’t know?
In The Enduring Wild, Jackson takes readers on a road trip spanning thousands of miles, crisscrossing the Golden State, from the Pacific shores of the King Range down to the Mojave Desert. Over mountains, across prairies, and through sagebrush, he unravels the hidden stories of these lands. He tells of the Indigenous peoples who have called them home for millennia, of the extractivist threats that imperil them today, and of the grassroots organizers and political champions who have rallied to their common defense to uphold the radical mandate to protect these natural treasures for generations to come.
With breathtaking photography from landscapes explored like never before, The Enduring Wild offers an unparalleled look into California’s public lands and asks us to consider what makes a place worth protecting.
Media Contact:
Megan Posco
Posco Publicity
For review copies, feature interest, and interview and image requests, get in touch: megan@poscopublicity.com
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Praise for The Enduring Wild
“Jackson affirms Terry Tempest Williams’ claim that every pilgrimage to the desert is also a pilgrimage to the self […] Jackson is also a reliable guide to the earthly realities of managing these vast holdings. With its many photographs, maps, illustrations, and practical tips for exploring BLM lands, the book invites readers to move beyond what [Aldo] Leopold called American conservation’s concern with show pieces. A satisfying read and a call to adventure.”
—KIRKUS
“The Enduring Wild is Josh Jackson’s captivating portrayal of California wilderness under the Bureau of Land Management… a breathtaking tribute to the threatened California public lands that many people overlook.”
—Foreword Reviews
“Josh Jackson takes readers on an expedition across the astonishingly diverse lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in California—more than twice the size of the state’s nine national parks combined. Each step in this transformative journey becomes a deliberate act of noticing, cultivating a profound understanding of stewardship, resilience, and interconnectedness. The Enduring Wild is a call to look beyond the surface, embrace the deep connections that tie us to our public lands, and commit to safeguarding them for future generations.”
—QT LUONG, author of Treasured Lands: A Photographic Odyssey Through America’s National Parks
“Footstep by footstep, Josh Jackson gifts a vision of the often unseen ‘leftover lands’ of California and the threats to these precious places. He seeks out, finds, and shares the subtle beauty and meaning that come from a search for understanding and a deep attachment to place. This appreciation of BLM lands invites all to find their way into the wild.”
—McKENZIE LONG, author of This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments
“Josh Jackson lives and breathes these lands. In them, it is clear he has discovered the secret heart of the West, and his approach to sharing it is full of genuine respect, enthusiastic admiration, and a love that shines like a sunrise”
—OBI KAUFMANN, author of The California Field Atlas
“The photography is gorgeous, and the writing is powerful and moving. There’s a true reverence for these spaces, but also a concern and a deep love, as well as an open invitation to experience them for yourself.”
—CASEY SCHREINER, Modern Hiker Substack
Josh Jackson is a writer, photographer, and leading voice for public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Through his evocative Forgotten Lands Project, Josh employs immersive storytelling and striking visual narratives to inspire appreciation and engagement with our least understood, least protected, and largely unknown landscapes. His advocacy work has been featured by the Los Angeles Times, SFGate, and the Nature’s Archive podcast. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children. The Enduring Wild: A Journey into California’s Public Lands is his first book. Explore more of his work at forgottenlandsproject.com.
Debuts March 2025 — I Love Salmon and Lampreys
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An Inspiring Picture Book Details a History-Making Indigenous-Led Movement to Protect the Klamath River and Save its Fish
In this charming children’s book, Yurok and Karuk activist Brook Thompson shares how Native tribes organized the largest dam removal in US history to save the salmon and lampreys of the Klamath River.
BERKELEY, CALIF. — Growing up on tribal lands along the Klamath River, Brook Thompson learned from an early age how to care for the fish that nurtured her and her family, the same fish that have been a vital life force for the Yurok and Karuk peoples for generations. When a massive fish die-off led to a near extinction event for the river’s chinook salmon and Pacific lampreys, tribal activists banded together to redouble their decades-long fight to remove the dams choking the Klamath. Their campaign resulted in the largest dam removal in US history and inspired young Brook to become a scientist and river warrior—a story she shares in her inspiring children’s book I Love Salmon and Lampreys (on sale March 4, 2025).
With warmth and nostalgia I Love Salmon and Lampreys, illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska, details how intricately Yurok and Karuk life is bound with the river, delighting in Brook’s memories of fishing and feasting with family. It also recounts the vivid shock that she experienced at the age of seven when she witnessed the catastrophic fish kill of 2002, and how this galvanized her to join the inter-generational campaign to “Undam the Klamath” and dedicate her life to becoming a scientist with the power to restore her homelands.
“It was devastating seeing thousands of dead bodies the same size as me in the river,” Thompson said of the experience when speaking with USA Today. In an interview with the BBC she describes the daunting scope of the river warriors’ goal to demolish the dams: “We were told it was never going to happen, that it was foolish to even ask for one removal. We were asking for four.” Yet in August 2024, the last of the four dams came down, and salmon and lampreys have already begun repopulating the Klamath, a triumph that Thompson celebrates in her picture book. “The biggest thing for me, the significance of the dam removal project, is just hope,” Thompson told the Los Angeles Times, “understanding that change can be made.”
That hope permeates Thompson’s stirring story book, offering readers a tale that “flows like a legend” (Booklist), reflects contemporary Native culture, and celebrates the power of collective action to bring about environmental justice. Rendered in open dyslexia font, I Love Salmon and Lampreys is an inviting read for children of all abilities, age 4 – 8, a rare and uplifting nonfiction book for young readers, and a critical addition to any child’s personal or local library.
Media Contacts:
Kalie Caetano
Marketing & Publicity Director, Heyday
For review copies, feature interest, and interview and image requests, get in touch: publicity@heydaybooks.com
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Praise for I Love Salmon and Lampreys
“A powerful story about protesting for positive changes that protect the environment.” —Kids Bookshelf
“This straightforward account of how salmon and lamprey populations sustained Native American communities in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years, only to face extinction due to human actions, flows like a legend.” —Booklist
“This inspiring children’s book celebrates environmental justice and community action. […] It is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come.” —Mama Likes This
“Brook Thompson, in her compelling autobiographical story, will captivate children and touch their hearts. Thompson’s eloquent and straightforward storytelling immediately immerses readers in the Native relationship with nature and will inspire both young and adult readers to think deeply about how the earth sustains us and how we can show our appreciation in return.” —Celebrate Picture Books
“Thompson hopes readers understand that with enough action and community support, change is possible.” —Nick Sestanovitch, Santa Cruz Sentinel
“The book is written in a manner that kids will understand, and the font is OpenDyslexic so it will be easier for people with dyslexia to read. […] It is a wonderful addition to any library!” —Crafty Moms Share
“I Love Salmon and Lampreys not only covers the environmental impact dams had on the Klamath River, it also celebrates Native life and traditions. […] There’s a warm tone to it that mirrors her cultural pride. Friendly illustrations by Anastasia Khmelevska are brightly colored and have a lovely touch of whimsy.” —Cracking the Cover
“This book is a beautifully crafted blend of memoir and history, offering a personal, heartfelt account of the author’s reciprocal relationship with salmon. It highlights the crucial role these fish play in our ecosystems, explores their struggles with the encroachment of settlers, and celebrates the vital efforts of Native communities in restoring and preserving their habitats.” —@indigenousbookshelf
Brook M. Thompson is a part of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes. She is a neurodivergent and Two-Spirit author with dyslexia. She has a BS in civil engineering from Portland State University and an MS in environmental engineering from Stanford University, and she will soon have a PhD in environmental studies from University of California, Santa Cruz, where she studies water, politics, restoration, and salmon. You can find out more about her at brookmthompson.com.
Debuts April 2025 — California Lizards and How to Find Them
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Author Emily Taylor Brings the Wonders of California's Lizards to Life in New Book
California Lizards and How to Find Them Offers a Field Guide of the State’s Diverse
Reptile Life for Herpetologists of All Levels
BERKELEY, CALIF. — Emily Taylor, author of the beloved California Snakes and How to Find Them, is back with a new adventure for reptile enthusiasts. In her latest book, California Lizards and How to Find Them (on sale April 22, 2025), Taylor invites readers to discover the lizards that call California home.
Lizards are not just fascinating; they are an integral part of California’s ecosystems, yet their diversity is easily overlooked in a state renowned for its wildlife. In California Lizards and How to Find Them, Taylor gives her personal, expert perspective on the state’s wide range of lizard species, offering both novice and experienced naturalists the tools to spot and enjoy these
reptiles in the wild.
With over 60 species profiled and featuring 125 full-color photographs, California Lizards and How to Find Them is designed for ease of use in the field, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a budding reptile enthusiast or a seasoned naturalist, Taylor’s warm and engaging writing will ensure you never look at a lizard the same way again.
Media Contact:
Kalie Caetano
Marketing & Publicity Director, Heyday
For review copies, feature interest, and interview and image requests, get in touch: publicity@heydaybooks.com
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Praise for California Snakes and How to Find Them by Emily Taylor (2024):
“I’ve loved snakes since childhood and am thrilled to now have this gorgeous book as my companion to finding snakes wherever a walk on the wild side takes me.”
—AMY TAN, author of The Joy Luck Club and The Backyard Bird Chronicles
“For anyone who loves snakes, or who wants to love them, Emily Taylor’s California Snakes and How to Find Them is packed with facts in reader- friendly prose by one of the world’s leading snake biologists and conservationists. The utility and emotional impact of this book are further enhanced by some of the most evocative photographs of snakes I’ve ever seen, spanning technically perfect closeups of heads to stunning images of individuals in their species-typical habitats. California Snakes sets a new high bar for nature education, and I look forward to future volumes about other animal groups.”
—HARRY W. GREENE, author of Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature and Tracks and Shadows: Field Biology as Art
“Emily Taylor’s enthusiasm and love for snakes shine through every sentence of California Snakes and How to Find Them. Her engaging personal stories, authoritative information, and spectacular photographs will charm snake-lovers and future snake-lovers alike. See you in the field, armed with persistence, luck, and knowledge. Happy herping!”
—MARTY CRUMP, author of The Dog of the North
Emily Taylor is a professor of biological sciences at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she conducts research on the physiology, ecology, and conservation biology of lizards and snakes. Taylor is founder of the community science initiative Project RattleCam (rattlecam.org) and owner of Central Coast Snake Services (centralcoastsnakeservices.com). Her first book, California Snakes and How to Find Them, was published by Heyday in 2024. She lives in Atascadero with her husband, Steve, and their menagerie of rescue animals, including Pax the dog, Baby the boa constrictor, Aperol Spritz the bearded dragon, and rattlesnakes Buzz and Snakeholio. Follow her at @snakeymama.
Debuts March 2025 — Birds of the California Delta
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Discover the Birds of the California Delta in New Illustrated Guide written by Aaron N. K. Haiman and illustrated by Martha Espinoza
New entry into Heyday’s beloved Birds of California series, following the success of Birds of Point Reyes, Birds of Lake Merritt, and Birds of Berkeley
BERKELEY, CALIF. — Birds of the California Delta (on sale March 25, 2025), a beautifully illustrated new guide by lifelong birder and Delta resident Aaron N. K. Haiman, invites readers to explore the avian diversity of one of California’s most biodiverse regions. From the wetlands where the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers meet, to cultivated farmland and urban landscapes, Haiman showcases the bird species that thrive in this dynamic estuary.
With vivid full-color illustrations and detailed descriptions, the book brings to life the birds of the Delta, from the striking grace of ibises and cranes to the more cacophonous presence of woodpeckers and grackles. Haiman’s approachable writing style captures the essence of birdwatching in this ecologically rich area, offering insights into the birds’ behavior, habitat, and
role in the Delta’s ecosystem.
“Set in the center of the state of California at the confluence of its two largest rivers […] the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (the Delta) is the beating heart of California’s water system,” writes Haiman in his introductory essay about the region.
Accessible to both experienced birders and newcomers, this guide is a celebration of the Delta’s birds and their habitat.
Media Contact:
Kalie Caetano
Marketing & Publicity Director, Heyday
For review copies, feature interest, and interview and image requests, get in touch: publicity@heydaybooks.com
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Praise for Birds of the California Delta
“Aaron Haiman’s lyrical impressions of the birds of the Delta landscape are spot-on and inspiring, especially partnered with Martha Espinoza’s true-to-color and feather-detailed paintings. These birds will stay with you long after you put the book down.”
—ALLEN FISH, ecologist and former director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Praise for the Birds of California Series, published by Heyday
“A meditation on beauty and survival.”
—AMY TAN, author of The Backyard Bird Chronicles
“More than an identification guide. It takes us beyond the who’s who to why we care. Learn how to think about birds in a way that will deepen your love of feathered things. Combines scientific research, local insights, humor, and beautiful and accurate artwork. [These books] will deepen your sense of place and open insights to beauty, wonder, and connection to the natural world.”
—JOHN MUIR LAWS, author/illustrator of The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada
“A must-have for anyone who wants to better understand and appreciate our neighbors.”
—JENNY ODELL, author of How to Do Nothing and Saving Time
“I’ve always known Lake Merritt as a great place to look for birds, not knowing that it was originally designated as a bird sanctuary over 150 years ago—the first wildlife refuge in the country! [The Birds of Lake Merritt] is the perfect introduction to the lake and its birds, and it’s sure to give you a new appreciation of both.”
—DAVID ALLEN SIBLEY, author of What It’s Like to Be a Bird
“A compact treasury of natural history knowledge.”
—BURR HENEMAN, former executive director of Point Reyes Bird Observatory
“It’s not only the technical accuracy of the illustrations that make them so remarkable […] it is the way they are presented that conveys the more important lessons to both interested bird watchers as well as to any aspiring illustrators studying the book for the improvement of their own craft. […] Given these qualities, Birds of Berkeley is as much a reference guide as it is a work of both literary and visual art.”
—JOHANNES E. RIUTTA, The Well-Read Naturalist
Aaron N. K. Haiman volunteered from a young age with bird research organizations before receiving a BS in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley as well as MS degrees in Avian Science and Animal Behavior from UC Davis. Aaron guides bird walks, mentors high school students in ecology and sustainability, leads a youth bird-a-thon team, and gives presentations on birds and habitat restoration. He works for the State of California and lives in West Sacramento.
Debuts July 2025 — Rocks and Riches
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Discover the Geological Wonders of California in Rocks and Riches: Exploring California's Stunning Geology by Gary L. Prost
Take a road trip through California’s fascinating geological history with an expert guide.
BERKELEY, CALIF. — Rocks and Riches: Exploring California’s Stunning Geology (on sale July 22, 2025), a new book by Gary L. Prost, explores the geological forces that shaped the Golden State. This engaging and informative work offers a fascinating exploration of California’s natural wonders, its geological past, and how the state’s rocks continue to influence life today.
In Rocks and Riches, Prost—a seasoned geologist—takes readers on a road trip to 56 notable stops across California. With humor and insight, Prost explores California’s epic geological history, from the shifting tectonic plates responsible for the state’s earthquakes, to the ecological aftershocks of the Gold Rush.
Rocks and Riches features detailed road maps, full-color illustrations, and practical guidance for travelers interested in visiting these geological wonders firsthand. From the awe-inspiring deserts of Death Valley to the lush landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, Rocks and Riches offers both a travel guide and a window into the forces that, quite literally, shaped California over millions of years.
Media Contact:
Kalie Caetano
Marketing & Publicity Director, Heyday
For review copies, feature interest, and interview and image requests, get in touch: publicity@heydaybooks.com
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Gary L. Prost has been working as a geologist for more than fifty years, specializing in mineral and oil exploration. He studied geology at the Colorado School of Mines, obtaining his PhD there in 1986. His employers have included the United States Geological Survey and several oil companies, and his work has taken him to more than thirty countries. Now retired, he leads field trips and does public outreach on topics of geological interest. His books include The Geology Companion, The United Kingdom’s Natural Wonders, South America’s Natural Wonders, and the two-volume North America’s Natural Wonders. He lives in El Cerrito, California.
Debuts June 2025 — Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Book from Charles Hood, Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds Explores the Pacific Ocean and the Wonders of Nature
An adventurous, sometimes anxious, always surprising trip around the Pacific Rim with one of the best contemporary nature writers.
BERKELEY, CALIF. — In Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds: A Sideways Look at the Pacific Ocean and Everything in It (on sale June 3, 2025), renowned essayist Charles Hood embarks on an extraordinary voyage across one of the planet’s most mysterious and awe-inspiring landscapes: the Pacific Ocean. Following the success of his Foreword INDIES Book of the Year–winning A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature, Hood once again blends his passion for the natural world with curiosity, sharp insight, and wit.
Despite his fear of water, or perhaps because of it, Hood takes readers along the Pacific Rim, navigating the vast expanse of the Pacific in search of elusive seabirds, tempestuous weather, and personal revelations. With an eye trained on the skies for petrels, frigate birds, and flying fish, Hood also delves into the ocean’s deep cultural and ecological significance, connecting the natural world to art, history, and the deep wounds—both emotional and ecological—left by World War II.
In his most personal book to date, Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds offers a compelling new entry into the genre of nature writing. With his trademark blend of encyclopedic knowledge and literary flair, Hood is poised to solidify his position as one of the most celebrated nature writers of his generation. Blending travelogue, nature writing, and memoir, Hood sees both the ghosts of the Pacific and all of the wondrous, strange life that calls it home.
Media Contact:
Mary Bisbee-Beek
Publicist
For review copies, feature interest, and interview and image requests, get in touch: mbisbee.beek@gmail.com
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Praise for Charles Hood
“Among nature writers now working, Charles Hood is my favorite. He never stops telling stories, and his perspective is fundamentally comic, even when he’s recounting a tragedy.”
—JONATHAN FRANZEN
“Reading Hood’s work will make you feel smarter but, even more crucially in this dire age, more open to the sublime.”
—LOS ANGELES TIMES
“Hood’s eye for wonder out on the water is an absolute delight. Enlightening and quietly heart-wrenching at times, this book gave me a deeper appreciation for how the sea connects us all.”
—ROSANNA XIA, author of California Against the Sea
“Once you’ve had a taste of the world of Charles Hood, you’ll want to follow him wherever he goes. He’s brilliantly entertaining.”
—ELIZABETH McKENZIE, author of The Dog of the North
“With a poet’s sensitivity, Hood shows himself to be as in love with words as with what he sees around him […] his essays will charm, delight, and bring attention into high gear so that even a walk through an empty city lot will reveal treasures for the mind and heart.”
—FOREWORD REVIEWS
“Hood is the love child of Rebecca Solnit and Edward Abbey, assuming such a child had been raised in an art colony by demented garden gnomes.”
—MICHAEL GUISTA, author of Brain Work
“Charles Hood’s essay about James Audubon’s work should be required for anyone who possesses a pair of eyes, whether or not they use them for birdwatching or perusing art.”
—WILLIAM FOX, Director of The Center for Land + Environment, Nevada Museum of Art
Poet and essayist Charles Hood has been a factory worker, a ski instructor, and a birding guide in Africa. His recent books published by Heyday include Nocturnalia, an appreciation of nature after dark, and the essay collection A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature. His wildlife studies have taken him around the world, from the high Arctic to the South Pole, and from Tibet to West Africa to the Amazon. Mammal no. 1,000 seen and recorded on his world animal list was a Crossley’s dwarf lemur in Madagascar. (Mammal no. 999 was a Malagasy white-bellied free-tailed bat.) Recently retired and now professor emeritus, Hood lives in the Mojave Desert with two kayaks, two mountain bikes, two dogs, and five thousand books.
