Paradise Preserved: The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area is a literary celebration of a 4,800-acre, wildlife-rich natural classroom near Calgary.

This beautiful 144-page, hardcover book tells the story of the 4,800-acre Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area, believed to be the largest gift of private land ever made in Canada for conservation purposes.

Written by award-winning local author Bruce Masterman, Paradise Preserved was published by a Calgary publishing company, Bayeux Arts Inc. (www.bayeux.com).

The principal photographer for this book was Mike Sturk, an extremely talented Calgary freelance photographer based in Calgary (www.mikesturk.com). Paradise Preserved features more than 100 photographs – mostly colour – that reflect the rich history, educational programs and array of flora and fauna on the Conservation Area.

The book was commissioned by the Sandy Cross Conservation Foundation, which manages the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area (www.crossconservation.org).

All proceeds from book sales are being paid to the Foundation to help carry on the wonderful programs offered at the Conservation Area.

Paradise Preserved describes Ann and Sandy Cross’s generous gift of 4,800 acres in the spectacular rolling foothills just minutes from Calgary’s southwest city limits.

The Conservation Area is part of Rothney Farm, which Sandy Cross started in 1945. He is the last surviving child of A.E. Cross, pioneer rancher and brewer, and one of the Big Four businessmen who financed the first Calgary Stampede in 1912. Sandy and Ann were married in 1974.

The land was given to the Alberta government in two instalments - in 1987 and 1996 - in order to save from encroaching urbanization the forests, trees, creeks, pastures and elk, deer and other wildlife that live there.

The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area is visited each year by thousands of school children who hike the land and participate in organized educational programs to learn about nature and responsible land stewardship. Visitors are asked to book a visit in advance by phoning 931-9001.

It is hoped the giving spirit described in Paradise Preserved inspires more Canadians to practise responsible environmental stewardship to ensure a promising future for natural areas, the life they sustain and people whose lives they enrich.

At just $29.95, Paradise Preserved is available at major bookstores and at the Cross Conservation Area.

Literary Reviews for Paradise Preserved:

Calgary Herald:
“In Paradise Preserved, Masterman tells how the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area came to be…Masterman’s straightforward writing is complemented by Mike Sturk’s stunning photography and eye for detail.”

Victoria Times-Colonist:
“Masterman brings out the love of nature felt by the Crosses, which helps the reader understand why they would want the land to stay the way it is.”

Calgary Fast Forward:
“The Cross Conservation Area has always occupied a special place in Bruce Masterman’s heart. That feeling is reflected in his latest book.”

PICA, newsletter of Calgary Field Naturalists’ Society:
“This is a well-written love story – the love of a modest, gentle man, for the land and its natural inhabitants. Bruce Masterman has with great clarity written the full story of Sandy Cross and his altruistic gift.”

Okotoks Western Wheel:
“An exciting new book…tells the in-depth story of the Cross Conservation Area and how it came to be a natural classroom.”

Bob Shiels, The Literary Life columnist for several south-western Alberta weekly newspapers:
“A splendid new book…written by High River author and outdoorsman Bruce Masterman with eye-catching illustrations by Calgary-based freelance photographer Mike Sturk.”