Reelfoot Lake: Oasis on the Mississippi

Reelfoot Lake is a unique lake in the US, formed during the New Madrid earthquakes in the early 19th century. It is relatively understudied, but biologist and environmentalist Jim W. Johnson has written a book that explores its natural and cultural history, illuminates the lives of generations of people who lived in the floodplain, and discusses the ecology of the lake. The book is accompanied by stunning photography and will become a useful outdoor guide for Reelfoot Lake and increase readers' appreciation for wetlands.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: University of Tennessee Press

Reelfoot Lake, also known as "The Earthquake Lake," attracts nearly a quarter million visitors each year to marvel at its breathtaking natural splendor. With its expansive twenty-five thousand acres of shimmering water, haunting cypress swamps, and two-hundred-year-old lily marshes, the lake is a treasure trove of natural beauty and rich in natural history. Despite its uniqueness, Reelfoot Lake remains relatively understudied, considering its formation during the New Madrid earthquakes in the early nineteenth century. Biologist and environmentalist Jim W. Johnson, who grew up on the lake, has firsthand experience of its natural and cultural heritage. Over the course of his career, he dedicated himself to managing Reelfoot and its surrounding area as a wildlife biologist.
In his book, Reelfoot Lake: Oasis of West Tennessee, Johnson weaves together a personal remembrance, a guidebook, and a cautionary tale on river and wetland ecology, conservation, and land management. Through his exploration of Reelfoot's ancient and recent history, Johnson sheds light on the lives of generations of people who have thrived in the floodplain. This book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the waters of the lake, providing helpful insights and making travel through the bayous and canals more enjoyable. Moreover, its discussions on the lake's ecology will bolster the voices advocating for the protection and preservation of Reelfoot and other wetlands like it.
Accompanied by stunning photography, Johnson's book not only serves as a useful outdoor guide to Reelfoot Lake but also enhances readers' appreciation for wetlands. It is a testament to the author's deep knowledge and passion for the natural world, and it encourages us to cherish and protect these precious ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

Weight: 1256g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781621907084