In 1903 Theodore Roosevelt signed a proclamation that created the first of what, a century later, would become a system of 538 wildlife refuges spread across all fifty of the United States. Stretching from the cypress swamps of Okefenokee to the remote wilderness of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the refuges now occupy an amazing 95 million acres of the American landscape. These are America's most treasured natural habitats-filled with waterfowl, fish, mammals, and a diverse array of plants. Coupling his text with the remarkable photographs of John and Karen Hollingsworth, Eric Dolin draws on the rich history surrounding the refuges to reveal an intriguing story of people and nature. After exploring how the fledgling conservation movement found its champion in Teddy Roosevelt, Dolin unveils a story filled with heroic, sometimes quirky, Americans who fought to preserve the nation's natural heritage.

Following Roosevelt's lead-and against a backdrop of the twentieth century's wars and strife-refuge after refuge was created, resulting today in an incredibly diverse and biologically critical system that helped earn the United States its reputation as a leader in global conservation. One hundred years after Roosevelt's proclamation, the refuges stand as a testament to the beauty of natural America and an example of how our wildlife can be preserved for generations yet to come. The history and photographs found in the book entice us not only to visit our nearest refuge but also to reflect on what we are capable of achieving as a nation.

Though the title leads one to expect a survey of refuges, this beautifully illustrated volume is devoted to a moving history that chronicles the development of national wildlife refuges, including the beginning of the movement to protect wildlife, the key figures involved, the long road to protections, the fight to institute legal protection for birds, the ongoing struggle to maintain and add refuges during the Reagan years and after, and current issues. A final chapter presents the histories of eight refuges.