The Wonder of Natural Life in Kentucky

By: Ronald R. Van Stockum Jr.

Narrated by: Tracy Bond Bird

Drawing upon his vast knowledge of the environment, biology, botany, and history, Ronald R. Van Stockum, Jr. has written a love letter to Kentucky. The lay person as well as the expert will understand as he describes the state’s evolution - its history, original land surface, the river-cut gorges, the mountains, and the lakes. He tells of eons of growth of flora, fauna, rock, and rill. Along with thorough documentation, the writer gives us a poetic description of this “...verdant state, lush in its heat, humidity, and rainfall. The diversity and abundance of life was immediately evident to all who came here”.

With stories of Lady Slippers, buffalo trails, and flying snakes, Van Stockum takes us into a Magic Kingdom. This teacher gives us an impromptu course about the state called “Paradise”, as we delight in nature: wandering in the forest, crawling in a cave, walking creek banks, and floating down rivers in a canoe. With engaging material that grasps the listener, this gifted story-teller paints a picture of Kentucky that creates a yearning to join present-day efforts of naturalists to preserve it.

©2016 Ronald R. Van Stockum, Jr. (P)2020 Ronald R. Van Stockum, Jr.