New Book Provides a Compelling Example on Becoming an Environmental Leader

Menomonie, WI — July 18, 2025 — Local author Mark Leach tells the stories of “Mr. Prairie

Enthusiast”, Gary Eldred, in their new book, Healing Wounds: Giving Back to Nature. Set in the

Wisconsin driftless area and prairies of the American Midwest, this memoir invites readers into a richly drawn landscape filled with tradition, resilience, and the healing capacity of native prairies. Gary Eldred grew up without the training you might expect from a leader, but through his determination to “giveback to nature” he fostered a regional non-profit: The Prairie Enthusiasts.

To celebrate the launch, two public release parties will be held on July 30th, 2025 at Dragon Tale Books, 216 Main St. East, Menomonie WI at 2 pm and at Brewery Nonic, 621 4th St W, Menomonie, WI at

6:00pm. Attendees will enjoy a live reading, Q&A session, book signing, and the chance to connect with the authors including a opportunity to say “Happy Birthday” to Gary Eldred.

Praise for Healing Wounds:

“This amazing story of courage, dedication, and resilience is a cathartic gem. My understanding, admiration, and love for “Mr. Prairie Enthusiast” has multiplied many times over after reading his life saga,” says Neil Diboll, president of Prairie Nursery.

About the Authors:

Gary Eldred was an unlikely leader, with little formal training. In 1987, he founded The Southwest Wisconsin Prairie Enthusiasts, which under his leadership grew and rebranded as The Prairie Enthusiasts. This has enabled thousands of activists to do the boots-on-the ground work to identify, protect, and restore the remnants of the once vast fire-adapted ecosystems of the Upper Midwest. Gary continues his efforts and hopes that society will soon embrace a positive and participatory relationship with nature.

Mark K. Leach, Ph.D. is a retired conservation biologist, professor, ecological researcher, publisher, and author who has been friends with Gary Eldred since 1988. Healing Wounds is his only effort at “ghost” writing about another’s life. He recently created Leaky Canoe Books to publish this memoir, with more books to follow.