Wild on Purpose: The American Prairie Story and the Art of Thinking Bigger

Is it possible to make more nature?

“The most exciting environmental idea of the twenty-first century.”
—DAN FLORES, Wild New World

In 2001, a small team of ordinary citizens set out on an audacious effort to establish one of the largest wildlife reserves ever created—bigger than Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks combined. But founding American Prairie was just the beginning. To succeed, they would have to defy conventional wisdom, win over skeptical Montana neighbors, and restore vast areas of temperate grasslands for returning native bison, elk, pronghorn, birds, pollinators, and predators.

With humor and humility, Gerrity immerses readers in the obstacles, triumphs, and unwavering commitment that propelled this extraordinary journey. Wild on Purpose reveals what it takes to make real, lasting change and challenges us to move beyond saving what’s left of nature to making new wild spaces—for animals, the planet, the future, for ourselves.