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About the Book

Eighteen-year-old Eva Kaufman is in a quandary about what to do with her life. She is passionate about doing something for the greater good, but has not yet realized what it is she wants to do. One day as Eva joins her mother and sister in some volunteer gardening in Liberty Park, she marvels at the spectacular views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Here so close to New York City, she also sees the miracle of the spring bird migration. She has no idea that the future of Liberty Park is in danger.

Amanda Walters, a local park activist, suggests that Eva should apply for a position in the Park Service. The suggestion appeals to Eva, and she thinks her future looks much brighter. Unfortunately, Amanda also makes her aware of a threat to the green open lawns of the park. The B & L Foundation is eager to build a sports complex, a hotel and a botanical garden in Liberty Park. Now feeling desperate to defend the park from over-development, Eva and her family join Amanda and her friends to save the park. Public hearings turn into intense arguments, propaganda campaigns transform into threats as an entire community struggles to determine the park’s future.

This is a story about a young woman environmentalist joining forces with an experienced woman activist to save the environment of a national icon.

About the Author

Patricia Hilliard is an environmental and park activist who has written nature and birding articles for Liberty State Park newsletters and for Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. She earned an associate’s degree from Thomas Edison State College and lives in Bayonne, NJ with her husband. Together they founded the Bayonne Nature Club.