<p>
	Summer is upon us! And while the woods, shorelines,&nbsp;lakes, prairies, gardens, streams, and mountains call our names, so do the stories that connect us to those places. Lands far away physically, historically, or from reality. &nbsp;As you make your summertime story selections, we polled our faculty, staff, and students for their nature favorites, both of the last year and of all time, to peak your interest. Happy reading!</p>
<h2>
	<img alt="" src="{filedir_5}Ryan_OConnor_144pxl.jpg" style="float: left; width: 144px; height: 180px; " />Ryan O&rsquo;Connor<br />
	Board Member, Alumni Representative</h2>
<p>
	<strong>Searching for Hickories by Tom Springer</strong><br />
	<em>Searching for Hickories</em> is a collection of essays by rural southwest Michigan native Tom Springer. &nbsp;Topics range from natural history to fishing to the author&rsquo;s own efforts to be a steward of his land and the larger landscape around him. &nbsp;Both humerous and tragic personal experiences are woven through the book as the author intertwines pieces of his own story, with many essays culminating in wisdom and insights drawn from both his rural community and the natural world. &nbsp;A strong tone of stewardship underlies the book, with subtle references to faith mixed in as the author shares observations, rural life, and a moving story of restoration not only of place but of life as well. &nbsp;Those with ties to the Midwest, and especially southwest Michigan will particularly enjoy this book.</p>
