Winter is on 1932's doorstep. The height of the Great Depression has seemingly transferred its malaise upon the society of fauna who dwell in the outskirts of Cumberland, Maryland and all throughout the Appalachian wild. Sadie, an American red squirrel, is convinced by her only friend Thu'jold, a great horned owl, to leave their comforts (or lack thereof) in exchange for the Great Lake Eden on the other side of the West Virginia divide. Neighboring predators, a search for a rare flower, threat of mass extermination, a prison break, and a river rescue are just a few of the obstacles encountered throughout their journey to what they hope will be a better place.