Burroughs Medal Nature Writing Awardees

Happy 2010! After testing out a Virginia Master Naturalist blog in 2009, I am going to make it a more permanent and regular fixture in 2010. Amazingly, we already have a bunch of followers despite the fact that I hardly posted anything in 2009, so I think it will be a big success!

As my first 2010 post, I want to share something I received from Ruth Douglas, Rivanna Master Naturalist. Perhaps like me, you have a 2010 resolution of doing more reading. Why not read some excellent nature writing, and improve your Master Naturalist knowledge along the way?

Ruth recently read a book by Theodora Stanwell-Fletcher, who was a Burroughs Medal winner. John Burroughs was a pioneering nature writer, and, in his honor, the Burroughs Medal is awarded each year to the author of a distinguished natural history book. Ruth found a link to the list of all past Burroughs Medal winners, which seems like a great place to start if you are looking for good nature books.

The Burroughs Association also annual recognizes an outstanding natural history essay. The winners are listed at http://research.amnh.org/burroughs/essay_award_list.html.

Finally, the Burroughs Association also recognizes nature writing for youth. If you are looking for a good nature book for a young person in your life or for your Junior Naturalist club, check out their list of award winners for young readers.