Dirk Ruff writes about the natural world, our observations in it, the historical context that shapes it, and our intricate relationship with the "outside". Ruff is a native of Michigan and a graduate of Northern Michigan University. He lives between the headwaters of the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers. He has four books published: “Perception at the Roots”, “Among the Branches", "Cross Currents", and his most recent novella, "Under the Sleeping Bear".