Donna Shehane's New Book Sheds Light on Illinois' Forgotten Natural Heritage
Donna Shehane's upcoming book, 'Illinois As It Was...By Those Who Were There,' explores the state's lost natural heritage through historical accounts, offering insights into its transformation and the lives of its early settlers.
Donna Shehane's forthcoming book, 'Illinois As It Was...By Those Who Were There,' delves into the state's rich but forgotten natural heritage, drawing from historical documents and firsthand accounts to paint a vivid picture of Illinois' past. The anthology aims to bridge the gap between the present and the 1800s, showcasing the state's evolution through the eyes of Native Americans, fur trappers, explorers, and immigrants.
Shehane's research took her to prairie restoration projects like the Schulenberg Prairie at the Morton Arboretum and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where she sought to understand the landscape's original majesty. Her findings, sourced from emigrant guides and other eyewitness accounts, reveal the challenges and triumphs of early settlers in establishing a life in what was then a wilderness.
With a background in environmental engineering and a career dedicated to public service at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Shehane brings a unique perspective to her exploration of Illinois' environmental history. Her work not only highlights the state's ecological transformation but also serves as a tribute to the resilience of its early inhabitants.