TYRONE — Blair County author Todd Davis is having a standout year. His ninth poetry book, Ditch Memory: New and Selected Poems, was released earlier this month, receiving high praise and a foreword by acclaimed author David James Duncan. Davis is also preparing for the release of an anthology in September and entering his 21st year as a professor at Penn State Altoona, where he teaches environmental studies and English.
Published by Michigan State University Press, Ditch Memory (200 pages, $27.95 paperback) features 30 new poems alongside 63 selected from previous collections. Davis describes the book as a “greatest hits” compilation, showcasing his work set in Rust Belt Appalachia along the Allegheny Front. The poems highlight local settings like Tyrone and Lloydsville, capturing the essence of the region’s landscapes.
Davis, a descendant of Appalachian farmers, was born in Elkhart, Indiana. His early experiences included exploring the outdoors at his grandparents’ homes in Kentucky and Virginia. The book’s title, “Ditch Memory,” references a poem that concludes the section of new works. Davis expresses his fondness for ditches, describing them as rich habitats for wildlife and plants.
Davis’s environmental studies classes are enhanced by his passion for nature. He introduces students to local flora, such as jewelweed, which has medicinal properties and interesting seed dispersal mechanisms. Davis’s approach to teaching often involves outdoor experiences, making use of local game lands and natural settings.
In his foreword, Duncan praises Davis’s poetry for its diverse voices and storytelling ability. Davis’s colleagues at Penn State Altoona commend his dedication to both his students and his craft. Biology professor Carolyn Mahan appreciates Davis’s commitment to teaching outdoors, while history professor Brian Black highlights Davis’s deep knowledge of the region’s nature.
Davis, who does not own a cellphone, is known for his ability to inspire students to connect with the natural world and move away from digital distractions. His passion for nature and writing has led to a new project: an anthology titled The Literary Guide to Northern Appalachia. Scheduled for release in September, the book combines literary and natural history, featuring contributions from various experts and artists. The anthology is edited by Davis and his son, Noah, who is also a noted writer.
Davis will read from his poetry at an event on October 29 at 7 p.m. in the Titelman Study of the Misciagna Performing Arts Center at Penn State Altoona.