"The Pests that Girdle the Home of Tucker the Turtle" is a fascinating book that makes the concept of non-native invasive species accessible to children. The star of the book is Tucker, an Eastern box turtle who was born and raised in Pendleton County, WV. Through the telling of his story, Tucker shares the changes that he has seen as non-native invasive species have spread across his home. Spring wildflowers are disappearing, trees like native hemlocks are dying, and many strange, new critters have taken up residence. Tucker shares his experiences with 24 different invasive species including insects, plants, and even a fish! Non-native invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and natural resource-based economies. And, their numbers are increasing! Each year, more than $138 billion is spent in the United States fighting invasive species. And the list of invasive species "knocking at our door" continues to grow-snakehead fish are moving towards West Virginia from Maryland and Virginia, many pests are threatening our forests including the Asian longhorned beetle that is already in Ohio. "We were inspired to write this book because we love the mountains of West Virginia and the natural wonders that they contain," said one of the authors, Cynthia Sandeno. "By sharing Tucker's story, we hope to encourage children to see the beauty that surrounds them and to become protectors of our natural places." While the book focuses on the impacts of invasive species, it also weaves in information about what can be done to slow their spread including the important messages of removing invasives from your yard, cleaning gear, and buying firewood locally. Two destructive species, the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALHB) are featured in the book. The ALHB speaks to Tucker and says, "We've traveled around the country, hidden in a load of firewood. We shouldn't have been transported, but now we're here for good." The book was written by the Potomac Highlands and Rivers and Gorges Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Areas to show the reader the complex and vulnerable world that can be found right outside their doors in their yard or a nearby park or forest. The story also aims to engage you in protecting its future. Will your favorite place remain a healthy home for fish and wildlife or will it be changed forever? The illustrator, Molly Swailes, created original watercolors to accompany the story. Through her creativity, Molly has allowed all of us to enter the world of Tucker the Turtle and to join forces to help make a difference in the forests, rivers, ponds, and wetlands that we love to enjoy. Molly hopes that "as kids grow up they will remember and empathize with Tucker the Turtle and take action to help the environment."
Author Biographies: Cynthia Sandeno lives in Marlinton, West Virginia and works as a District Ranger for the Monongahela National Forest. Growing up in a large city - Indianapolis, Indiana- Cynthia had few opportunities to spend time outdoors in natural areas. Concrete surrounded her home, not trees and lush vegetation. With a strong drive to help the environment, she pursued a career in Wildlife Biology and Conservation Ecology. And, by becoming an instructor in programs like "Becoming an Outdoor Woman" and "Urban Families Outdoors," Cynthia had the privilege of introducing people from diverse backgrounds to the splendor of the outdoors and to teach them life-long skills to enrich their outdoor experiences. Cynthia is especially interested in making sure that children take time to unplug and spend time outside. "Within the last few decades, children of the digital age have become increasingly alienated from the natural world," she says. "Why should our children conserve or protect the environment, if they don't know why it is important?" Realizing that many school curricula are focused on global issues such as the plight of tropical rainforests or polar ice-caps, Cynthia wanted to make sure that kids in West Virginia are aware of the treasures in their own backyards, as well as what threatens them. Through her work with the Potomac Highlands CWPMA, Cynthia was able to include members of that organization to help write Tucker's Story Nine authors came together to create this new book from all walks of life including U.S. Forest Service employees, AmeriCorps Members, West Virginia land owners, and even a member of the military. The authors found common ground in their love of the outdoors and a desire to protect our natural wonders from non-native invasive pests.
