Summary of the Book
The journey begins with a serendipitous camping trip: Jackson, unable to secure a reservation at a popular campground, is directed by a friend to BLM land—a revelation that opens his eyes to the staggering extent of public lands in California and across the United States. California alone contains over 15 million acres of BLM land, part of the 245 million acres managed nationwide123. These lands, Jackson notes, are “our common ground, a gift of seismic proportions that belongs to all of us”2.
Jackson’s narrative unfolds as a series of road trips with family and friends, crisscrossing the Golden State from the King Range on the Pacific coast to the Mojave Desert. He visits 41 distinct landscapes, many of which are unfamiliar even to seasoned Californians, including the Elkhorn Ridge Wilderness, the Trona Pinnacles, the Rainbow Basin, and the remote Bodie Hills241. Each chapter is both a travelogue and a meditation on place, blending vivid descriptions of natural wonders—moonrises over mesas, superblooms in the Carrizo Plain, herds of pronghorn antelope—with reflections on history, ecology, and personal transformation523.
A central theme is the paradoxical status of BLM lands. Often dismissed as “leftover lands”—areas not profitable or scenic enough to become national parks or forests—they are, for Jackson, places of subtle, enduring beauty and ecological significance3. He documents their role as sanctuaries for biodiversity and as refuges from the pressures of modern life, especially in an era of climate change3.
Jackson does not shy away from the darker histories and contemporary threats. He foregrounds the dispossession of Indigenous peoples, such as the Kootzaduka’a, whose ancestral lands were devastated by gold mining and settler encroachment52. He traces the evolution of BLM management—from its origins as the “Bureau of Livestock and Mining” to the 1976 Federal Land Policy and Management Act, which introduced a mandate for multi-use and conservation. Yet, he notes, the struggle to balance extraction, recreation, and preservation continues, with political efforts to privatize or sell off public lands looming large in the background23.
Throughout, Jackson’s encounters with the land are marked by moments of awe and introspection. Whether marveling at a herd of pronghorn, witnessing the transformation of drought-stricken plains into a riot of wildflowers, or sitting quietly among aspens, he finds in these places a source of solace and connection542. The book is richly illustrated with photographs and artwork by Rebekah Nolan, further enhancing its sense of place13.
Jackson’s journey ends not with a sense of completion, but with a call to action and a deepened sense of belonging. He returns to urban Los Angeles, recognizing that “the wild had been here all along”—that nature persists in city streets as well as remote deserts, and that the responsibility to cherish and protect it belongs to everyone2.
Strengths
Evocative, Personal Narrative: Jackson’s writing is deeply immersive, blending travelogue, memoir, and reportage. His honest accounts of discovery, frustration, and wonder make the landscapes come alive and invite readers to share in his transformation235.
Historical and Ecological Context: The book excels at situating personal experience within broader histories—of Indigenous dispossession, environmental change, and shifting public policy. Jackson’s discussion of the multi-use mandate and the ongoing threats to public lands is timely and nuanced23.
Celebration of the Overlooked: By focusing on BLM lands—often ignored in favor of national parks—Jackson highlights the value of “ordinary” wild places and challenges readers to expand their sense of what is worth protecting32.
Visual Richness: The inclusion of photographs and illustrations adds depth, helping readers visualize both the grandeur and subtlety of these landscapes13.
Invitation to Engagement: The book is not just descriptive but galvanizing. Jackson’s assertion that “we are all landowners” is a powerful call for collective responsibility and activism, especially as public lands face renewed political threats26.
Weaknesses
Occasional Repetition: Some reviewers note that the structure—moving from one landscape to another—can feel repetitive, with similar themes and reflections recurring across chapters2.
Limited Depth on Policy: While Jackson provides a solid overview of BLM history and current challenges, readers seeking a more detailed analysis of land management policy or legal battles may find the treatment somewhat surface-level23.
Personal Perspective: The narrative is highly personal, which is a strength, but it sometimes sidelines voices from the communities most affected by land management decisions, particularly Indigenous perspectives. While Jackson acknowledges these histories, some critics may wish for more direct engagement with Native voices25.
Focus on California: The book’s California-centric approach is both a strength and a limitation. Readers interested in BLM lands elsewhere may find the scope too narrow, though the themes are broadly applicable23.
The Enduring Wild stands out as a heartfelt, beautifully written tribute to California’s public lands and a stirring reminder of their fragility and value. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to awaken a sense of wonder and responsibility in its readers, making it a vital read for anyone who cares about the future of America’s wild places236.