Wild on Purpose
The American Prairie Story and the Art of Thinking Bigger
Sean Gerrity’s memoir Wild on Purpose takes a fascinating insider’s look at an influential nonprofit organization focused on preserving and “rewilding” millions of acres of American prairie.
An American Prairie founder, Gerrity reflects on the organization’s twenty-five-year history. Launched in 2001 in Montana, American Prairie now manages more than half a million acres of grassland, either through direct acquisition or conservation leases. The long-term vision is to expand holdings to millions of acres in North Eastern Montana.
Combining organizational psychology strategies with engrossing stories, Gerrity explains how leaders of American Prairie learned to articulate clear mission, vision, and values statements; recruit influential board members; sustain donations from individuals and foundations; and attract committed employees. His book includes practical advice for leaders, employees, volunteers, and those interested in supporting nonprofit organizations. Gerrity examines what it takes to launch, build, and sustain a nature-based organization, informed, in part, by his previous success as a management consultant in California.
Gerrity is forthright about the challenges the organization faced, including weathering economic downturns, addressing resistance from local ranchers, involving Indigenous leaders, navigating media coverage (including a pivotal interview with Dan Rather), and planning for leadership succession. Mistakes and occasional doubts are revealed: “I get how one can feel dispirited, fatigued, or demoralized … [in] your efforts to make the world a better place.” Still, he does an able job of conveying the urgency of prairie conservation in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity, outlines crucial decisions made to reintroduce bison and other species, and explores the connections between American Prairie’s role and that of national parks and other federally managed land.
A powerful, candid memoir from the leader of a prominent nonprofit organization, Wild on Purpose contains an optimistic vision for the future of nature conservation.
Reviewed by
Kristen Rabe
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
