A book detailing the labors of the townsfolk over several decades, and what was involved with the re-cultivating of the land. This included but was not limited to: forestation, fresh water acquisition, farming, animal husbandry, and so on.
On the last page of the book, a phrase in charcoal is written:
My life can be measured in hours.
I serve by being devoured.
Thin, I am quick. Fat, I am slow.
Wind is my foe.