Border Sanctuary coverOf all the national wildlife refuges in the United States, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge has one of the more curious – as well as little known – pasts. It is also home to the largest number of endangered species of any refuge in the national wildlife refuge system.

For its examination of both these above noted topics, the new book Border Sanctuary; The Conservation Legacy of the Santa Ana Land Grant by M.J. Morgan and published by Texas A&M University Press is indeed a welcome addition to the history of North American natural history. Examining both the past as well as the present of this “jewel of the national refuge system,” Professor Morgan’s book should give all those interested in the Santa Ana itself as well the natural history of the lower Rio Grande Valley quite a treat.