Meet the Author ~ William Sullivan

William Sullivan has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. He is a 5th generation Oregonian and has authored seven books about Oregon's outdoors, as well as two books on Oregon history, two adventure memoirs, and three novels! The journal of his 1000-mile hike across the state, Listening for Coyote was chosen by the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission as one of Oregon's 100 Books.
 
We are beyond honored to have this phenomenal wilderness expert share his knowledge and experiences with us at Rootstalk! Enjoy our entertaining interview with him below, filled with poisonings, forest spirits, and old fashioned stick-ups!
 

1. What classes will you be teaching at Rootstalk this year?

 Because I've written so many hiking guidebooks, people often ask me "What is your favorite spot in Oregon?" This is such a complicated question that I've decided to give a slide show about it at Rootstalk on Friday evening.  The show is based on my new book, Oregon Favorites. Saturday morning I'll lead a short hike around the property to talk about the area's natural history.
 
Bill's Favorite Trails & Tales
Oregon's hiking guru takes us on a tour of his favorite trips -- hikes and adventures in all parts of the state. Based on his new book Oregon Favorites, this fascinating slideshow presentation includes tips on new trails, as well as anecdotes about history, geology, wildlife, and people along the trail.
 
Wilderness Walk
Join fifth-generation Oregonian, William Sullivan on a walk through the wilds to explore beautiful old-growth forests surrounding the 4-H Center. Generally considered the hiking expert of Oregon, you’ll learn about native plants, wildlife, geology, and other interesting facts as you follow the gorgeous woodland trail.

 
2. What is one of the most powerful moments you’ve experienced in the wild or through your work?

 When I hiked 1000 miles across Oregon in 1985 to kick off my guidebook research, I managed to poison myself with mushrooms, get held at gunpoint by marijuana growers, and confront nighttime apparitions seemingly conjured up by spirits. I retold those stories in my journal, Listening for Coyote. Frankly, I'm amazed that the people who read this book tell me it makes them want to go hiking!

 
 

3. What is your primary environmental concern?

 Of the countless threats facing Oregon's natural world -- habitat loss, clearcutting of ancient forests, and global warming spring to mind -- the biggest problem I see is simply our disconnect with the land. As our lifestyles become increasingly urban and technological, our children sometimes don't have the time to interact with nature.
 

4. What can people do to help combat this in their community?

 Go hiking!

5. Are there any projects that you are working on and would like to share?

I'm a board member of Oregon Wild, and encourage everyone to support conservation groups.
www.oregonwild.org
 

6. What do you hope to experience at Rootstalk this first year? 

Let's have fun!

7. What is your favorite plant and why?

How about Western Pasque flower? It's the first alpine wildflower to bloom, sometimes actually melting holes in a snowfield to flower. Even after its petals drop, it doesn't give up. By fall it puts up a foot-tall, dishmop-shaped seed head. Then it goes by a completely different name, "Hippie on a Stick."
 


 
Learn more about William Sullivan's work by visiting, http://www.rootstalkfest.com/page/william-sullivan or his website www.oregonhiking.com.


The Mountain Rose Herbs Team

Written by The Mountain Rose Herbs Team on May 24, 2011

Over the last three decades, the Mountain Rose Herbs Team has created and recreated thousands of recipes. This article is the result of many of our staff's combined herbal expertise and passion for herbalism. We hope you enjoy these time-tested recipes.


WELCOME

We offer one of the most thorough selections of certified organic herbs, spices, and botanical products and are commited to responsible sourcing.

Meet the Author ~ William Sullivan

William Sullivan has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. He is a 5th generation Oregonian and has authored seven books about Oregon's outdoors, as well as two books on Oregon history, two adventure memoirs, and three novels! The journal of his 1000-mile hike across the state, Listening for Coyote was chosen by the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission as one of Oregon's 100 Books.
 
We are beyond honored to have this phenomenal wilderness expert share his knowledge and experiences with us at Rootstalk! Enjoy our entertaining interview with him below, filled with poisonings, forest spirits, and old fashioned stick-ups!
 

1. What classes will you be teaching at Rootstalk this year?

 Because I've written so many hiking guidebooks, people often ask me "What is your favorite spot in Oregon?" This is such a complicated question that I've decided to give a slide show about it at Rootstalk on Friday evening.  The show is based on my new book, Oregon Favorites. Saturday morning I'll lead a short hike around the property to talk about the area's natural history.
 
Bill's Favorite Trails & Tales
Oregon's hiking guru takes us on a tour of his favorite trips -- hikes and adventures in all parts of the state. Based on his new book Oregon Favorites, this fascinating slideshow presentation includes tips on new trails, as well as anecdotes about history, geology, wildlife, and people along the trail.
 
Wilderness Walk
Join fifth-generation Oregonian, William Sullivan on a walk through the wilds to explore beautiful old-growth forests surrounding the 4-H Center. Generally considered the hiking expert of Oregon, you’ll learn about native plants, wildlife, geology, and other interesting facts as you follow the gorgeous woodland trail.

 
2. What is one of the most powerful moments you’ve experienced in the wild or through your work?

 When I hiked 1000 miles across Oregon in 1985 to kick off my guidebook research, I managed to poison myself with mushrooms, get held at gunpoint by marijuana growers, and confront nighttime apparitions seemingly conjured up by spirits. I retold those stories in my journal, Listening for Coyote. Frankly, I'm amazed that the people who read this book tell me it makes them want to go hiking!

 
 

3. What is your primary environmental concern?

 Of the countless threats facing Oregon's natural world -- habitat loss, clearcutting of ancient forests, and global warming spring to mind -- the biggest problem I see is simply our disconnect with the land. As our lifestyles become increasingly urban and technological, our children sometimes don't have the time to interact with nature.
 

4. What can people do to help combat this in their community?

 Go hiking!

5. Are there any projects that you are working on and would like to share?

I'm a board member of Oregon Wild, and encourage everyone to support conservation groups.
www.oregonwild.org
 

6. What do you hope to experience at Rootstalk this first year? 

Let's have fun!

7. What is your favorite plant and why?

How about Western Pasque flower? It's the first alpine wildflower to bloom, sometimes actually melting holes in a snowfield to flower. Even after its petals drop, it doesn't give up. By fall it puts up a foot-tall, dishmop-shaped seed head. Then it goes by a completely different name, "Hippie on a Stick."
 


 
Learn more about William Sullivan's work by visiting, http://www.rootstalkfest.com/page/william-sullivan or his website www.oregonhiking.com.


The Mountain Rose Herbs Team

Written by The Mountain Rose Herbs Team on May 24, 2011

Over the last three decades, the Mountain Rose Herbs Team has created and recreated thousands of recipes. This article is the result of many of our staff's combined herbal expertise and passion for herbalism. We hope you enjoy these time-tested recipes.