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STATE OF THE ARTS: Philip Connors

The Gila River and Wilderness are the heart and soul of A Song for the River. Every summer since 2002, author Philip Connors has been perched in a tower 50 feet above the Gila Wilderness, watching for fire.

His first book, Fire Season, recounted the deep lessons learned about mountains, wilderness, fire, and solitude. A Song for the River, its sequel, updates and deepens the story: there’s fire, loss of a dear friend, and three high school students he admires die tragically in an airplane crash while researching the wilderness and the wild river they wish to save. With A Song for the River, Connors channels their voices to advocate for the wild Gila River. 

Originally Broadcast on August 25, 2018

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