Erosion: How Hugh Bennett Saved America’s Soil and Ended the Dust Bowl

Written by Darcy Pattison

Narrated by Brett Tyler

"A compelling, kid-friendly, and visually appealing erosion story." Kirkus review

2020 NSSTA Notable Social Studies Book

When the Dust Bowl storms of the 1930s threatened to destroy U.S. farming and agriculture, Hugh Bennett knew what to do. For decades, he had studied the soils in every state, creating maps showing soil composition nationwide. He knew what should be grown in each area, and how to manage the land to conserve the soil. He knew what to do for weathering and erosion.

To do that, he needed the government's help. But how do you convince politicians that the soil needs help?

Hugh Bennett knew what to do. He waited for the wind.

This is the exciting story of a soil scientist confronting politicians to encourage them to pass a law to protect the land, the soil. When the U.S. Congress passed a law establishing the Soil Conservation Service, it was the first government agency in the world dedicated to protecting the land, to protecting the Earth.

Reading this amazing story of an unchronicled early environmentalist, Hugh Bennett, the founder of the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mims House
• Release date: Jun 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781629441528

Darcy Pattison

DARCY PATTISON is the author of The River Dragon, illustrated by Jean and Mou-Sien Tseng, as well as the fantasy novel The Wayfinder. She teaches writing at the University of Central Arkansas. She lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas.<br>