Whose Books in Oak Cliff
Whose Books is hosting an author talk with Amy Martin, the author of Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth, and Dave Marquis, author and co-founder of the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. The talk will take place on Aug. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Martin and Marquis will talk about nature and hiking trails around Oak Cliff, as well as Martin’s spinal cord injury that could have paralyzed her permanently.
Martin’s book, which has 4.2 stars on GoodReads, details wildlife that can be found in the DFW area. It has guides on local species and some example day trips to help the reader see all Dallas has to offer, as well as 30 detailed maps and 350 photographs.
“This handy yet extensive guide looks at the factors that shape local nature and profiles over 100 local species, from American basket-flowers and pecan trees to bald eagles, nine-banded armadillos, and Texas spiny lizards,” the GoodReads description reads. “Equal parts natural history, field guide, and trip planner, Wild DFW has something for everyone.”
Marquis wrote a book called The River Always Wins, which talks about finding hope in troubling times. When Marquis founded the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, it saved an urban forest from being bulldozed.
He was a significant figure in developing the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan which was passed unanimously by the Dallas City Council in May 2020. Marquis also worked toward passing House Concurrent Resolution 74, that promotes water recycling and renewable energy, during the 2015 Texas Legislative Session and other water-related conservation efforts.
“I think that’s one of the reasons I have such a deep relationship with water,” Marquis said to Dallas Innovates. “I come from a place where there was very little water.”
Not only is Martin an author, she also has written for multiple journalism publications around Dallas. Additionally, she participated in activism about the Earth and conserving resources. She has three other books including Itchy Business, about treating poison ivy and poison oak.
Martin has worked with the Native Prairies Association of Texas, an organization for protecting and restoring prairies.
“Nature is more than someplace we visit — it’s where we live,” Amy Martin told Timber Press. “[Wild DFW] comes alive with a community of people who are devoted to preserving and appreciating the land where they live.”
