Wildland Sentinel: Field Notes from an Iowa Conservation Officer

DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz

**Please note the special meeting logistics provided below**

Luther College alumnus ('97) Erika Billerbeck has been an Iowa Conservation Officer for the last 25 years. In 2020, the University of Iowa Press published her book Wildland Sentinel: Field Notes from an Iowa Conservation Officer. In this book, Erika takes readers along for the ride as she and her colleagues sift through poaching investigations, chase down sex offenders in state parks, search for fugitives in wildlife areas, haul drunk boaters to jail, perform body recoveries, and face the chaos that comes with disaster response. Using an introspective personal voice, this narrative nonfiction work weaves stories of Iowa’s natural history with a cast of unforgettable characters. Wildland Sentinel touches on what it means to be a woman working in the male-dominated field of conservation law enforcement.

Erika plans to discuss her book, tell stories, and field questions at this special, all-member meeting of the club. She will have copies of her book available for purchase and personalized author signature for $20.

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**This presentation will have a special Thursday evening meeting time for accommodating both our Noon and After Hours Rotarians, as well as their spouses and significant others. It will also be advertised to the public on a free and first come, first served basis. The club will be hosting this special presentation at the VFW, with hors d'oveures and cash bar available. Due to anticipation of the popularity of this presentation, prompt email responses to the forthcoming special event announcement will be important and needed for planning purposes.