Special March Events
In the next few days, I’ll record episodes with the Talaterra Podcast about how my work helps connect people with the outdoors and Darin Olien about why being in nature contributes so much joy to my life. I’ll post an update when the episodes air. Of course, if you listen and subscribe to their episodes now, you’ll be updated automatically 🙂

The pandemic helped millions rediscover the physical and spiritual effects of being in nature
— but the story has much deeper roots
I recently had a super discussion with Jennifer Walsh and Monica Olsen, hosts of the Biophilic Solutions podcast about the American pioneers who extolled the benefits of being in nature decades before many took note. Please check it out!
Books by Jeffrey H Ryan
USFWS Historian Hosts Author Talk about My Approach to Outdoor Writing
As a special bonus preceding my lecture at the National Conservation Training Center (Headquarters of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Historian Mark Madison invited me into the recording studio to discuss my books and my approach to researching conservation history. It was a fun, wide-ranging discussion to be sure.
This Land Was Saved for You and Me
My new book traces the path from Olmsted’s first wanderings in Yosemite to the signing of The Wilderness Act in 1964.
Along the way, we meet well-known advocates for America’s lands and waters including Gifford Pinchot, Theodore Roosevelt, and Aldo Leopold. But importantly, we also meet many lesser-known people who gave their all to protect forests and wilderness areas before they would be gone forever and ensured that all Americans would retain the benefits of ownership.
Published by Stackpole Books in hardcover format, This Land Was Saved for You and Me is available now from national and local retailers. Click the “order” button below to learn more.
More Upcoming Events
I am currently booking in-person and virtual appearances for 2023. Please check the sidebar to the right for dates and times and check back often for updates.

Navigating the Trail
You Can't Make this Stuff Up
Where it all Began
Upcoming Events
Nature Revisited Podcast
National Archives Book Club — Virtual Event
“This Land” Book Talk
The Olmsteds — How one family’s vision shaped Portland’s landscape
Eat, Drink, and be Literary — Secrets of the Appalachian Trail
Round Hill/Hillsboro Appalachian Trail Festival
Recent Blog Posts
The Forest … and The Tree
How a patch of Maine forest brought enduring joy to a community and shaped a profession In 1710 — right about the time Queen Anne’s
Latest Podcast Appearances
So pleased to have been a guest on a couple of great podcasts recently. Looking at Birds Looking at Birds with host Chris B is
Hiking and Mental Health
Really enjoyed my wide-ranging chat with Jay Barone of The Curiosity Chamber podcast about the importance of green space and getting outdoors as it relates
History of the Appalachian Trail featured on Nature Revisited podcast
I had a great time discussing the history of the AT with host Stefan Van Norden of the Nature Revisited podcast.
Green Mountain National Forest adds 2,100 acres
The new acquisition includes a variety of streams and bogs. (US Forest Service photo.) The Trust for Public Land has facilitated the purchase of over
Interview with the Round Hill AT Festival Team
I had a wonderful interview with the organizers of the upcoming Round Hill Appalachian Trail festival about my newest book. I look forward to taking part
Northeast Wilderness Trust Announces Major Acquisition Adjacent to Maine AT
The Northeast Wilderness Trust partnered with the Forest Society of Maine to show that conservation and forest management can work side by side.