In Search of the Canary Tree

The Story of a Scientist, a Cypress, and a Changing World

By: Lauren E. Oakes

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

The award-winning and surprisingly hopeful story of one woman's search for resiliency in a warming world

Several years ago, ecologist Lauren E. Oakes set out from California for Alaska's old-growth forests to hunt for a dying tree: the yellow-cedar. With climate change as the culprit, the death of this species meant loss for many Alaskans. Oakes and her research team wanted to chronicle how plants and people could cope with their rapidly changing world. Amidst the standing dead, she discovered the resiliency of forgotten forests, flourishing again in the wake of destruction, and a diverse community of people who persevered to create new relationships with the emerging environment. Eloquent, insightful, and deeply heartening, In Search of the Canary Tree is a case for hope in a warming world.

Critic reviews

A finalist for the 2019 National Academies of Science, Medicine, and Engineering Communication Award
One of Science Friday's "Best Science Books of 2018"
One of Buzzfeed's "Best Books of 2018"
A Chicago Review of Books Pick for "Best Nature Writing of 2018"
Second Prize, Society of Environmental Journalists' Rachel Carson Environmental Book Award, 2019

"This tale weaves together strands of science, human struggles, philosophy and the quest for a life of meaning and resilience in the face of climate change."—Society of Environmental Journalists award citation

"Oakes is as meticulous with her writing as she is with her science...Compelling...One of the rare books that captures the reality of the fieldwork experience."—Science

"Beautiful, bracing, and even heartening. Oakes is a conservation scientist studying the imperiled yellow cedars of Alaska and her research leads her to ponder resilience in profound ways, from natural adaptation to human determination."—Science Friday

"Oakes can really write. She weaves her musings about humans' place in a warming world together with conservation science in a moving and effective way...A terrific book. Its message rings out clearly."—NPR

"In Search of the Canary Tree is an effort to push past the vulnerability, fear and helplessness that many--scientists included--feel in the face of climate change. The book shows, through both the data and more philosophical arguments, that we too can both change and adapt, and perhaps ultimately survive a changing climate."—Los Angeles Times

"Oakes brings the gift of personal perspective, memoir, and hope in the face of loss to her story of studying yellow-cedar tree decline off the coast of Alaska."—American Scientist

"Part memoir, part adventure yarn...An exploration of the shear zone between the frontier and civilization, wilderness and society: despite our yearning for the former, we've disrupted and abused it."—Outside

"Magnificent...Engaging and galvanizing, In Search of the Canary Tree is about more than a rare tree -- it's about nature's (and humanity's) capacity for resilience in a changing world."—Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"A moving behind-the-scenes glimpse into the development of a young scientist as she searches for meaning and resilience in the face of great personal and global challenges."—Forbes

"Oakes makes the effects of climate change tangible...It is an achievement that a memoir standing in the melancholy shadow of climate change can leave the reader invigorated with optimism and faith in the future."—Open Letters Review

Wow a great must read !

I did not know what I was getting into in the beginning. It starts off feeling like a scientific read but then drags you in and gives you a better understanding about so many things!

Moving and inspiring

As someone who constantly battles to find hope and the determination to keep up the fight on climate change I found this work motivating and grounding.
As someone told me not too long ago, it can no longer be about optimism and pessimism, only determination.
I hope more scientists can write books on their studies in the field to help us all connect the dots in these difficult times.
Narration was very good.

The lessons that centuries-old trees can teach us

The core of a yellow cedar is packed with marks that chart its history. But Lauren Oakes shows us that it’s also packed with lessons for the modern world.
A great read, this book taps into—and contributes to—a proud eco-literary tradition. The twist here is that this book feels like an ecological murder mystery. . . and instead of a whodunnit, it’s a whatdunnit. This makes for a lively read. As the author roams Alaska trying to figure it out, you feel like you’re on her adventures with her.

More personal journey than science

Very informative and articulate. I was hoping for more science and a lot less personal story. Much of the text is occupied by the author’s own coming-of-age dialogue.