Many of those who choose to live there know that Pennsylvania’s beautiful rural areas deserve to be celebrated and protected, as a recently published memoir by Tataboline “Ta” Enos aims to encourage.

Enos’ book focuses on rural Pennsylvania’s growing tourism and outdoor recreation movement, which is entwined with Enos’ own story of growing up in the region. The book, “PROUDLY MADE: A Story of Reinvention in the Big Woods and Small Towns of the Pennsylvania Wilds,” was released June 3 under Sunbury’s Catamount Press imprint, which focuses on Northern Appalachia.

It tells the story of the birth and growth of the Pennsylvania Wilds brand and movement which has helped transform the region into a model for sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism development.

Enos, a former journalist and founder of the nonprofit PA Wilds Center, shares her journey growing in the region and becoming one of the movement’s key voices. Her honest and vulnerable writing is sure to engage readers.

“In writing this book, I wanted more people to understand that the PA Wilds work is bigger than any one person or organization and critical to the future of rural PA,” said Enos, whose family has lived in the region for at least four generations.

While this book was a personal project, Enos said she hopes it helps advance the Wilds cause.

“In order to do that, I knew I was going to have to take some risks, to personalize it and be as real as I could in the writing, including about my own skepticism, flaws and shortcomings,” she said.

Enos spent about eight years working on the book. She conducted interviews with more than 30 people and relied on both personal experience and public record to help craft her narrative. Dozens more locals reviewed early drafts to help shape the story.

“Too often in rural America — and especially in Appalachia — the stories are told by outsiders and often through a negative lens,” Enos said. “What we’ve accomplished here is such an inspiring story.”

In addition to her work as a writer, Enos spends her time running the nonprofit and raising three children. Now that her book is finished, she can breathe a sigh of relief.

“However it is received, I’m proud that I stuck it out and got it done,” said Enos.

Several local artisans and businesses played a part in bringing “Proudly Made” to print. The cover was designed by Andrea Lanich of Laughing Owl Press with a photo by Allegany Outfitters owner Piper VanOrd. The book is available at many locations including Wilds Sonshine Factory in Kane, Allegany Outfitters in Warren and Otto Bookstore in Williamsport. It will also be for sale at the three PA Wilds Conservation Shops located at the Kinzua Bridge State Park, Marienville and Leonard Harrison State Park.

The book has received early praise from national experts in outdoor recreation and rural development, as well as from local and regional authors.

“’Proudly Made’ is a heartfelt testament to [Enos’] passion for the work of the Pennsylvania Wilds and her determination to see it through,” said Shane Oschman, chair of the PA Wilds Center’s Board of Directors. “We are incredibly proud of Ta for accomplishing this milestone in her writing career.”

To celebrate the book’s release, a series of events are scheduled throughout the region. A launch event and book signing will be held at Allegany Outfitters/Bent Run Brewing on July 9 in Warren. There will be another book signing held Aug. 22 during the Sunflower Festival at Wild Sonshine Factory in Kane and one held Oct.17 at Straub Brewery in St. Marys.

To learn more about the book or to find additional events, visit ta-enos.com.