Canyon Voices
The Nature of Rattlesnake Canyon
Canyon Voices explores the joyful and uneasy relationship between humans and nature, the rivaling recreational and economic desires of the human community, and competition in nature itself. The book unfolds through the eyes of people who understand it deeply on diverse levels. A geologist, a monk, a botanist, an historian, a hang glider, a stream ecologist, an artist, and others reveal the many ways to know a natural space.
Rattlesnake Canyon’s story is unique in some respects, yet parallels that of many natural gems adjacent to urban areas. It functions not only to provide for the needs of humanity, but also as a witness to the importance of habitat protection – and for wilderness itself. Canyon Voices weaves the fabric of people into the story of place.
Canyon Voices has been used successfully in education, inside and outside of classrooms from 6th grade through college.
Praise from Influencers
Linda Smith, Director of Dunn School, Santa Ynez Valley: “This is absolutely one of my favorite reads in a long, long time. I’ve previewed many adolescent lit books and a few textbooks, but nothing resonated as much as Telleen-Lawton’s writing. Canyon Voices is the book that should drive the course of study in the environmental unit of any science class. Chapter 8 is now legendary in our school, but quite frankly they were just as thrilled with all the chapters.”
Nancy Packer, Stanford Emeritus Professor of English: “Canyon Voices is beautifully written. One can almost see and smell and hear all the rich life in Rattlesnake Canyon. Telleen-Lawton and her friend provide a wonderful journey into the natural world, its strength and its fragility, and even for a non-naturalist the book is a joy to read. It made me want to take myself into the canyon and experience first hand all these lovely things I’ve been missing.”
Joel Swisher, Managing Director, Rocky Mountain Institute: “Rattlesnake Canyon seems a very seductive place indeed. In today’s over-hyped world, where Outside Magazine demands that even nature become sensational in order to be relevant, it is refreshing to be reminded that the outdoors can be a source of tranquility, delight, and renewal. This beauty exists even if, or perhaps especially if, it is found adjacent to an urban area already modified by human influence. Canyon Voices reminds us of how little we really know about these familiar yet exotic neighbors.”
Susan Gulbranson, Santa Barbara News-Press Book Columnist: “This book is a gem for all of us walkers/hikers. How often we work our way through a magical canyon like Rattlesnake and think that we’re seeing it through keen eyes. Reading this book makes me realize that Mother Nature and many dedicated individuals through the years have made it the special place it is.”
Kerry Hegarty, Geologist, CEO: “We are fortunate to have access to the ideas of astute and caring writers like Karen Telleen-Lawton. She has mastered the technique of engagement. We are compelled to turn another page to learn why the present may be the key to the past, and why the future needs our attention now. Canyon Voices is a generous book screaming with insight, passion, and prospects.”
Jane Ellison, Editor in Chief, Santa Barbara Seasons magazine: “Each new chapter makes me think its subject is my favorite character only to be replaced by the next. I can see each of the people and feel their commitment to and passion for their work.”
Rev. George Woodward III, Rector, St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church: “The writing gets under the skin and casts a trance, yet in spare and straightforward style. One of the best similes I’ve read of late was in Chapter 15, that of the monk’s cowl lying on his shoulder like a small backpack . . . quite elegant.”
Interested in a few copies for your library?
Contact: KTL@alumni.stanford.edu
