Throwback: Earthkeeping by Gary Saunders

A good book helps you learn something; a great book makes you feel something. In this collection of essays, Gary Saunders (retired forester and lifelong artist) conveys his genuine love for nature and inspires the reader to care as well.

Part poet, philosopher, scientist, and artist – Gary brings to mind the acronym STEAM, when academia finally realized the importance of art to the scientific realm. He is definitely science and art in a wonderful blend. This book cleverly combines warm storytelling with biology, with artfully rendered watercolour paintings and drawings throughout; making the reader feel as though they had visited the places described.

Part poet, philosopher, scientist, and artist – Gary brings to mind the acronym STEAM, when academia finally realized the importance of art to the scientific realm.

Gary tells his stories with the 3 W’s: wisdom, warmth and wit, drawing the reader in like a child at a campfire, wanting just one more story. In doing so, he builds trust with the reader, and his more serious warnings do not come off as preachy, but sincere.

The collection of stories share some common themes; one being conservation/stewardship of our precious planet. He gives many examples of gardening, wildlife relocation (including a bittersweet story of a baby duck), forest and pest management (warning: may include rodents), using real-life examples of how these activities are necessary for our own survival. In one story, he tells of the demise of cod as a cautionary tale. Actions do have consequences, and although the stories are told with humour, the message is serious. 

He gives many examples of gardening, wildlife relocation (including a bittersweet story of a baby duck), forest and pest management (warning: may include rodents), using real-life examples of how these activities are necessary for our own survival.

Another theme that appears throughout the book is the sense of connection to family and community. You learn about his parents, grandparents and one particularly colourful uncle, and how his family influenced him. You definitely get a sense of love for his wife, children and grandchildren. Something Earth Keepers share is a concern for coming generations, and love of family is the foundation of this philosophy. His stories connect past with future. Story telling has been around for this reason, since cavemen etched on cave walls. Gary has mastered the art.

The book also gives the reader a sense of the importance of self-sufficiency, something that has been lost in our DoorDash society. There are plenty of examples of his growing his own food, fishing, foraging for wild mushrooms, not to mention the type of DIY that you don’t see on the Learning Channel. Rural-dwelling Atlantic Canadians will relate to his tales of critter-control, building a root cellar (and the challenges involved), recycling/reusing as much as possible, and the dreaded visit from insurance companies, checking to see if your house is “to code”. 

Throughout this collection, you get the sense that Gary lives authentically, unafraid to stop and smell (or paint) the roses (Or was it roadkill?). There are words of eco-anxiety, and after reading the essays, readers will trust that his message comes from a place of genuine concern and love for the earth. Perhaps it is time for younger generations to sit and listen. 

Throughout this collection, you get the sense that Gary lives authentically, unafraid to stop and smell (or paint) the roses (Or was it roadkill?).

Note: in a typical Maritime fashion, while reading this book I learned that I had gone to Mount Allison University with the author’s son, Matthew, and daughter-in-law, Heather! Small world.

Gary Saunders is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Alder Music and My Life With Trees, winner of the Evelyn Richardson Award for Non-Fiction. Born and raised in Newfoundland, Saunders worked as a forester before going on to manage Nova Scotia Lands & Forest’s public education programs. He lives in Clifton, Nova Scotia.

Publisher: Goose Lane Editions (October 4, 2022)
Paperback 5.5″ x 8.5″ | 316 pages
ISBN: 9781773102696

Dawn is a multimedia artist best known for her cartoons drawn under the nom de plume, dawnymock.  She was awarded the art award from Bathurst High School in 1984. She is a member of the Association of Canadian Cartoonists and CartoonStock.com.  Her art has been included in Herné Bay Cartoon Fest, 1001 Visages in Val-David, Quebec, in Aislin’s book of favourite Covid cartoons,  Vancouver Science World and in the Globe & Mail. Her art was exhibited at UNB's World Water Day. She has donated many drawings and paintings to local charities and school fundraisers. Her work is available on CartoonStock (dawnymock)  and Twitter (@dawnymock). She lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick.