#DISCOVERCARMELRIVER THROUGH BOOKS
One way I #DiscoverCarmelRiver is through the stories and artwork that celebrate the journey of our watershed.
Local artist and community activist Paola Berthoin captures the essence of the Carmel River in her book Passion for Place: Community Reflections on the Carmel River Watershed. This extraordinary collection of poetry, stories, paintings, and photographs brings us deep into the heart of the watershed, showcasing the voices of our community. You can find this book and others at our local independent bookstore, River House Books at Carmel Crossroads (@riverhousebooks ).
For a broader perspective, I turn to Down the Soundless Sea by Thomas Steinbeck, which views the Carmel River watershed as part of a larger region. Like his well known father, John Steinbeck, Thomas pulls readers into the story with his captivating writing style.
River in Ruin offers a cautionary tale about the consequences of poor water management and the hope for restoration. It dispels myths about water use and shows how clearing riverbanks of native vegetation can actually increase wildfire risk. Thanks to efforts by the CRWC and partners in the Carmel River Task Force, working with the Monterey County Water Management District, One Water, and CalAm, we've made significant strides in restoring the river.
To learn more about watershed health, I dive into Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge by Erica Gies. This insightful book, written by a National Geographic Explorer, offers a readable guide on managing water for resilience against fire, floods, and drought. I'm thrilled to announce that Erica will be speaking at our California Wildlife Day on April 6, 2025! Read the book and join us to hear from the author this spring.
When you can't get outside to #DiscoverCarmelRiver, a good book is the next best thing!
