Nature enthusiasts and explorers are invited to a captivating book signing event at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI), featuring esteemed author, naturalist, and photographer Roy Morey. Set for Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., this event presents a unique occasion to meet Morey and acquire signed copies of his latest masterpiece, “The Other Side of Nowhere: Exploring Big Bend Ranch State Park and Its Flora.”
Morey’s recent publication transports readers into the heart of Big Bend Ranch State Park (BBR), a vast and relatively untamed portion of the Chihuahuan Desert. Covering about 492 square miles, BBR represents a significant chunk of the Texas state park system’s total acreage. Acquired by the State of Texas in 1988 and opened to the public in 1991, the park is a treasure trove of the Trans-Pecos region, offering a more secluded and rugged experience compared to its well-known neighbor, Big Bend National Park.
Dubbed the “Other Side of Nowhere,” BBR challenges the adventurous spirit with its 238 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, alongside 70 miles of demanding four-wheel drive roads. The park not only showcases stunning geological features and remnants of its 11,000-year human history but also a biodiversity that rivals any area in the state.
“The Other Side of Nowhere” delves deep into this extraordinary landscape. Morey, leveraging eleven years of dedicated study and photography of the park, organizes his guidebook around the six physiographic regions as outlined by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The book guides readers through the park’s features and locations, including a field guide section with detailed profiles and vivid photographs of 281 plant species. This comprehensive guide serves not only as a window into the wild beauty of Big Bend Ranch State Park but also as an essential botanical resource for the greater Big Bend and Trans-Pecos areas.
In addition to celebrating “The Other Side of Nowhere,” attendees will have the opportunity to explore Morey’s earlier work, “Little Big Bend: Common, Uncommon, and Rare Plants of Big Bend National Park,” further highlighting his commitment to documenting the area’s diverse flora.
The book signing will take place at the scenic Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens, located at 43869 State Hwy 118, Fort Davis, Texas. This venue, nestled within the natural splendor of the Chihuahuan Desert, provides an ideal setting for an event that honors the beauty and mystery of Big Bend Ranch State Park.
This public event is open to all who share a passion for the natural world, photography, or local literature, offering a chance to engage with Morey’s significant contributions to understanding and appreciating the unique landscapes and ecosystems of Texas. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on an unparalleled journey through the wild, undiscovered terrains of Big Bend Ranch State Park with Roy Morey as your guide.
