A Journey in the Wild American West

In search of the legacy held by the world's first protected natural areas, writer and naturalist Louis-Marie Blanchard travels through California's great national parks, following in the footsteps of John Muir, the pioneer of nature conservation. During his journey, he meets people who work tirelessly to protect wild nature.

Writer and naturalist Louis-Marie Blanchard explores the lesser-known natural wonders of the American West, from the long-lived pines of the White Mountains to the majestic volcanoes of Oregon. Human activity has massively impacted and forever altered these landscapes; today, many animal and plant species are threatened with extinction.

In Alaska, Louis-Marie Blanchard visits the Tlingit people, who are experiencing a cultural renaissance, climbs the Muir Glacier, scarred by climate change, and addresses the current challenges of nature conservation. Primeval forests, brown bears, fjords, and animistic traditions paint a vivid picture of the beauty and fragility of the boreal wilderness.