The Paul Bunyan myth has been woven through the history of US and Canadian forests, supporting a pride in unlimited logging. Marybeth Lorbiecki, having written a biographies of Aldo Leopold (one for adults and one for children), decided that North America needed a fresh cultural story that integrates a Leopoldian and Native American–influenced ethic. So, in 2007, Lorbiecki created the picture book Paul Bunyan’s Sweetheart, which puts a new twist on the tale of Paul’s courtship of Lucette Diana Kensack. To win her hand, Paul tries to reform his attitudes towards the land, with great comic results!

Then Lorbiecki decided to transform this story into a new musical: “Lucette! A Lively Tale of Lumberjacks, Trees & Paul Bunyan.” She has integrated a strong female lead and friends, immigrants, and wildlife to better reflect the Northwood’s real history. This dynamic new musical with an environmental message and catchy original tunes will debut next summer.

Join us for a discussion with Marybeth Lorbiecki about the message, the musical, and how we talk about the land and environment by using well-known figures both real and mythical in general.

Marybeth Lorbiecki is the author several books about forest and conservation history, including the award-winning biography A Fierce Green Fire: Aldo Leopold’s Life and Legacy. She is an adjunct writing and literature professor at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and author of adult nonfiction and children’s books.

Date and Time: Thursday June 15 at 1-2 p.m. (ET)

Hosted by the Forest History Society

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UfA88wXbTVOnjwVjaknVVQ#/registration