"How would you like to be forester?" asked James Pinchot to his son, Gifford, on August 11, 1886 ~ just after his son's 21st birthday party. So began the journey of the man who would influence American conservation more than any other person. Gifford Pinchot created our National Forests. He's also the father of American conservation and was a pioneer of scientific forestry ~ the wise use of our nation's resources. Teaming up with Teddy Roosevelt, he set aside 190 million acres of forests and grasslands to enhance the quality of American life. Joseph Blanco tells the story of how the American conservation movement began and why this country is indebted to Gifford Pinchot for the beautiful forests owned and enjoyed by all.