Prairie Thunder Captures `Conservation Success Story' at RMA National Wildlife Refuge

When you find out someone has been to Peru, Nepal and Tanzania, it might seem strange to hear them describe the shortgrass prairie of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge as among the most enchanting habitats on the planet.

Photographer Dave Showalter has been winning people over to his point of view, though.

He's a dedicated volunteer at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and his book, Prairie Thunder, which features a number of photographs taken at the Refuge, recently took top honors in the pictorial category at the Colorado Humanities Book Awards. The awards are given annually in 10 categories to honor members of Colorado's literary community.

Showalter describes his book as a "photo conservation essay presented in a seasonal format," in which he captures the shortgrass prairie in each season. The photos are paired with corresponding conservation and seasonal essays.

Conservation is a subject near and dear to Showalter's heart, and the environmental cleanup and transformation of the Arsenal into a National Wildlife Refuge is one of his favorite subjects.

"I think that Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge may be the finest conservation success story in history," he said. "It makes me think that anything is possible."

Receiving the award was a proud moment for Showalter and his wife, Marla, who are both active in promoting conservation. He also says the award serves as "reflection and affirmation that land managers, conservationists, private land owners, and government agencies are doing outstanding conservation work on our grasslands!"

So what is it about the Refuge prairie that Dave finds so enthralling?

"It's the daily surprises, which are a metaphor for the whole grassland experience. Something magical happens everyday."

The Refuge boasts more than 330 species of wildlife, including bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, coyotes, bald eagles, and both mule and white-tailed deer, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Prairie Thunder, as well as Showalter's other books, are available at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center bookstore. For more information, call (303) 289-0930. You can also view some of his photos online at http://www.daveshowalter.com