Our Visiting Writer this semester is Kevin Koch, author of The Driftless Land: Spirit of Place in the Upper Mississippi Valley. Koch is Professor of English at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he teaches creative nonfiction, including Nature Writing. His previous works include Skiing at Midnight: A Nature Journal from Dubuque County, Iowa.
His reading will take place Thursday, November 18, 5:30 p.m., in the Ward Room of the Cartwright center. Please consider begging students to attend.
His book, in the genre of creative nonfiction, captures the flavor and spirit of the landscape, as well as its geological and human history. He tells the story of the land through excursions and conversations with park rangers, environmentalists, and economic developers. He reflects on the concept of sacred place, the spirit of place, and the seasons of the Driftless Land.
Some of the places discussed include the Trempealeau (Wisconsin) Wildlife Refuge, the Kickapoo Wildlife Reserve in southwest Wisconsin, the Savanna Army Depot in northwest Illinois, Sinsinawa Mound in southwest Wisconsin, the Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge in the McGregor District, the Effigy Mounds area in northeast Iowa, several areas within Dubuque and Jackson Counties (Iowa), and lands along the path of the Black Hawk War.
Let me know if you'd like any further info.
Thanks, Matt