The Book

The Rio Grande: An Eagle's View is a large format book with spectacular aerial photography that chronicles one of the world's most significant rivers, underscoring its exquisite beauty and importance in the American Southwest. WildEarth Guardians conceived of the book and published it as a part of its long-standing campaign to protect and restore the Rio Grande

Photographer Adriel Heisey captured the spirit of the river in his awe-inspiring aerial images of the Rio Grande from its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, through New Mexico and as it straddles and defines the Texas-Mexico border, culminating with its outpouring into the Gulf of Mexico. The aerial narrative flows from the river's source to its mouth. The 240-page book showcases 185 of Heisey's aerial photographs.

Accompanying the full color images is a foreword by actor and conservationist Robert Redford. Anchoring the written narrative is an essay by noted writer Steve McDowell, who discusses the evolving conservation ethic towards the river. Senator Tom Udall provides an afterword which captures the challenges the river faces and the opportunities to protect and restore it. John Horning, WildEarth Guardians' Executive Director, provides an introduction sharing his perspective on how the project came about and why this book and Adriel's photographs are so important to preserving a living river for future generations. Together readers are taken on a vivid journey through the heart of the American Southwest.

The written narrative is a journey through time and both an elegy to the greatness the river has sustained and passionate plea to restore the river's vitality. McDowell examines the historical significance of the Rio Grande and the roles it played in forming the unique and iconic conservation ethic of the American West. As western culture has moved into modern times, McDowell explores the ways in which the river has been tapped dry, endangering the ecosystems the river creates and sustains.

"When you hold this book in your hands, with images of the Rio Grande from its full span fairly writhing across the pages, remember that the actual river is ever new, laden with mystery and surprise, and continually responsive to the best ideas and stewardship our species can muster." - Adriel Heisey 2011

Just the Facts