Losing Eden traces the environmental history and development of the American West and explains how the land has shaped and been shaped by the people who live there. It discusses key events and topics from the Beringia migration, Columbian Exchange, and federal territorial acquisition to post-war expansion, resource exploitation, and climate change and structures the coverage around three important themes: balancing economic success and ecological protection; avoiding "the tragedy of the commons"; and achieving sustainability. It contains an accessible, up-to-date narrative written by an expert scholar and professor that supplements a variety of college-level survey or seminar courses on US, American West, or environmental history and Incorporates student-friendly features, including definitions of key terms, suggested reading sections, and over 30 illustrations.