Netting the Sun offers a carefully crafted diversity of natural and human stories from a landscape seemingly empty and forlorn to passing casual travelers. This surprising interpretation of south central Oregon's botany, geology, wildlife, ethnography, and history reveals what a truly special place the high desert is.

At first, the basalt rims, high cold deserts, dry lakes, and vast expanses of grass and sage seem to be a barren realm. In fact, petite flowers bloom on rock shelves. Tiny organisms thrive in hot springs and salt water. Unique soil collects and retains water, allowing ancient pine stands to survive. Pikas build miniature grass haystacks to store winter food. Petroglyphs and remnants of ranches, mills, and mines provide evidence of human history. Indeed, remote southeast Oregon is a rich wonderland of mountains, forests, creatures, and more--one well worth exploring. Born and raised in...