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PHOTO BANNER : Cover design by Natalie Slocum from photo taken by Galen Rowell in the headwaters of the Theron River, Northwest Territories, Canada. Detail of carved oak-leaf motif on stone buildings at the University of Connecticut School of Law. (Author photo below is courtesy of Peter Bowden.)

"Robert M. Thorson’s account mixes hands-on geology, boyhood reminiscence, and a good dash of Thoreau." Boston Globe

Welcome 

Lakes are a beloved part of the American landscape, and kettles are the most common type.  Formed by the meltdown of blocks of glacier ice, they span the northern United States from Maine to Montana, and are a significant, but little appreciated, part of America’s cultural and environmental heritage. 

My purpose in writing Beyond Walden is to enhance the enjoyment and conservation of small glacial lakes by making it fun to learn about them. The purpose of this website is to let interested readers learn about the book, and to provide additional material to those who want to learn more.

Explore Beyond Walden

  • Topics of Interest - For example, lake associaations, environmental studies, reading groups, K-12 education.
  • Book Contents - Chapter overviews from the dedication to the index.
  • State by State – Nineteen states have fascinating kettle lakes. Learn about yours.
  • Specific Lakes - A growing list, beginning with a notable dozen.

About the Book

  • Author Video – In introduction on YouTube produced by Peter Bowden.
  • National Public Radio - Podcasts from All Things Considered  (Minneapolis) and  Here & Now (Boston).
  • Feature Story -- An overview provided by the Univeristy of Connecticut.
  • Supplements - Maps, Questions, Errata, and more by the day.

Freshwater Blog

Author Contact

“Beyond Walden is written for all who cherish small lakes as precious sources of freshwater, relaxation, recreation, and natural habitat for plants and animals, and who want to help preserve them for the future.” From page 10 

Lime-green coating of duckweed indicates severe nutrient pollution.

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