Ep. 667: The Prairie Preacher and a Rant By Steve

Published: 2025-02-24 10:00:00

Description Show ▼

Steven Rinella talks with Dwayne Estes (aka "The Prairie Preacher") of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, Brody Henderson, Randall Williams, Phil Taylor, and Corinne Schneider.

Topics discussed: How parts of Pennsylvania are the South; Steve's thoughts on recent executive orders, DOGE, and cuts to the Forest Service, National Park Service, and more; the double meaning of apophysis; how it wasn't all forest and the myth of the squirrel; the impact of bison on vast prairies and grasslands; lacking the natural predisposition to move easily; the great challenge of getting rid of invasive weeds; how our previous podcast episode on quail stirred feelings; the impact of habitat erosion on the bobwhite quail; "Make America Grassy Again"; donate to the Southern Grasslands Institute; and more.

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Referenced Books

Forgotten Fires: Native Americans and the Transient Wilderness

by Omer C. Stewart

Dwayne Estes mentions he is currently reading this book, which discusses Native American use of fire in landscape management. He notes it's written by an anthropologist and relies heavily on that perspective.

Referenced at 01:17:37

None

by Ted Bulow

Dwayne Estes references a book by Ted Bulow about bison in the East, saying 'I've read Ted Bulow's book. I love It's one of my favorite of all times.' The specific title is not mentioned but it relates to bison history.

Referenced at 01:12:07

Forgotten Grasslands of the South

by Reed Noss

Dwayne Estes mentions his colleague Reid Nass 'wrote a book in twenty thirteen called Forgotten Grasslands of the South,' describing it as 'a game changer' that 'turned the messaging around southern ecosystems.'

Referenced at 01:29:45

The Land Breakers

by John Ehle

Steve Rinella strongly recommends this book from 1964, describing it as historically accurate fiction about settlers around 1780 breaking new land. He praises the author's knowledge of trees, plants, and historical details, saying 'It is unbelievable.'

Referenced at 02:21:05

Sacket series

by Louis L'Amour

Dwayne Estes compares The Land Breakers to Louis L'Amour's Sacket series. Steve discusses L'Amour's work, noting his extensive knowledge and research, though in a somewhat qualified manner.

Referenced at 02:22:10