THANKS ARE OWED to Marni Jackson, Ian Pearson, and Moira Farr, mentors in the Literary Journalism program at the Banff Centre. I’m grateful for support from the Canada Council for the Arts. Allan Markin and Jackie Flanagan, benefactors of the Markin-Flanagan writer-in-residence program at the University of Calgary. Gudrun Will at the Vancouver Review, who published part of this book in earlier form. Juliet Gill, my mother, a proofer of the highest order. Scott and Shana at Wagner Reforestation, who kept me employed during much of the writing. Peter Lironi, who welcomed us aboard. John Vigna, author, planter, ideal reader. Zsuzsi Gartner, dear friend and test kitchen guru. Rob Sanders at Greystone. Nancy Flight, for her wisdom and guidance, and Lara Kordic, for her sharp-eyed copyedit. Kevin Turpin, physiology advisor and exemplary tree-planting man. Not one word would exist without my extended silvicultural family. Roland and crew, especially.