Natural History

THE SIERRA CLUB GUIDE TO THE ANCIENT FORESTS OF THE NORTHEAST
Bruce Kershner, Robert Leverett.  Reveals that an estimated 2 million acres of ancient forests still thrive throughout the eastern U.S., with approx. 400,000 of those in the Northeast.  Showcases 134 sites of the most magnificent & inspiring forests across nine states (PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, & ME).  Introduces and explains “old growth” forests and trees.  Offers practical details on where to find some of the NE's oldest, tallest, & biggest trees, how to get there, and what to see.  A guide seeking to inspire residents & visitors alike to protect the Northeast's primeval forests for generations to come. 4-1/2 x 8, 276p, 10 b&w illustrations, 13 maps, 2004.
S0669 paperback ..........US $16.95 CAN $22.95

OAK: The Frame of Civilization
William Bryant Logan.  From ink to sailing ships, a biography of this essential and impressive tree.  In this exploration of all things oak, Logan “traces the historical applications & appreciations of the many ways in which the oak's byproducts have shaped civilizations throughout the world.”  Combines science, philosophy, spirituality, and history with a quirky curiosity about why the natural world works the way it does.  A comprehensive, entertaining history of this highly adaptable and overwhelmingly valuable natural resource. 5-3/4 x 8-1/2, 320p, 30 b&w illustrations, 2005.
O7733 hardcover ..........US $24.95 CAN $35.00
O7787 paperback (2006) ..........US $15.95 CAN $21.00

TREES OF NEW ENGLAND: A Natural History
Charles Fergus.  A captivating natural history of the region's native & common non-native tree species.  Discusses how their physical structure protects them from the elements; how people & animals use them, and; how diseases, insect pests, & environmental degradation are affecting trees today.  Complements descriptions & range maps with personal anecdotes, and notable cultural & historical tidbits.  A highly readable narrative that will enhance anyone’s appreciation of the majestic trees that populate the landscape. 6 x 9, 288p, 55 b&w illustrations, 78 b&w maps, 2005.
T7956 paperback ..........US $16.95 CAN $23.95

FALL FOLIAGE: The Mystery, Science and Folklore of Autumn Leaves
Charles Smith.  Answers commonly asked questions about fall foliage for common trees, shrubs and vines: Why do leaves turn yellow, or red?  Why do they fall?  What kind of leaf is that?  Reveals the mystery, science, and folklore of this natural phenomenon.  Includes “Bright Spots” of where & when the best displays of fall foliage are found across the U.S..  “An informal, but authoritative natural history and field guide.” 8-1/2 x 8, 144p, 97 color photos, drawing, maps, 2005.
F7888 paperback ..........US $14.95 CAN $20.95

SEED TO SEED: The Secret Life of Plants
Nicholas Harberd.  This narrative of the changing seasons has as its focus one tiny thale-cress plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) in an East Anglica churchyard (UK).  As one of the world's leading plant biologists, Harberd describes both what can be seen with the naked eye and the hidden  molecular mechanisms that underlie the visible events in the plant's life.  "Part field notebook, part sketchbook, and part journal, Seed to Seed is a dazzling evocation of the beauty of the natural world and an exhilarating explanation of the secret workings of plants." 5-1/2 x 8, 200p, 40 b&w sketches + diagrams, 2006.
S0396 hardcover ..........US $24.95 CAN $39.95

SEEDS: The Definitive Guide to Growing, History, and Lore
Peter Loewer.  With a focus on the practical concerns of seed savers, Loewer provides advice on buying, storing & germinating, sterilizing soil, indoor to outdoor transplanting.  Blends science and hands-on experience, offering "reader-friendly” methods for germination, stratification, collection & storage.  Includes ancient lore, history, and biology of seeds. Fascinating and practical – “… this is a how-to interspersed with lots of interesting trivia… .” 6 x 9, 240p, 48 b&w illustrations, 1995, 2005.
S6825 paperback ..........US $17.95 CAN $24.95

GIANT TREES OF WESTERN AMERICA AND THE WORLD
Dr. Al Carder.  “How do the giant trees of the West stack up against the great trees of the world?”  Reveals outstanding examples from each of the most noteworthy tree species Carder found.  Featuring 40+ scale drawings, this collection outlines the intriguing characteristics of each species, such as the resiliency of the English oak and the “grotesque” appearance of the African “upside-down tree.”  Describes the histories of famous trees, including the Sicilian Tree of 100 Horses.  An informative, entertaining history of giant trees urging us to appreciate and protect what is left of these fascinating “monsters of the past.” 7 x 11, 152p, 43 b&w illustrations, 2005.
G3634 paperback ..........US $21.95 CAN $26.95

VERNAL POOLS: Natural History and Conservation
Elizabeth Colburn.  The first comprehensive book-length synthesis of the natural history, ecology, and conservation of the seasonally wet, woodland pools that occur throughout the formerly glaciated region of eastern N.A. - essentially the Great Lakes Basin, New England, and adjacent areas of the U.S. & Canada.  Provides detailed information about the physical and biological content, structure, and function of vernal pool ecosystems.  Discusses important research, conservation, and policy needs for pools to be better understood, protected, and managed.  Readily applicable and a major source of information for seasonally flooded habitats and temporary waters elsewhere and worldwide.  A valuable reference for landowners, conservationists, resource managers, land-use professionals, and others. 6 x 9, 456p, 42 b&w + 31 color illustrations, 2004.
V3912 paperback ..........US $29.95 CAN $42.95

PRAIRIE: A Natural History
Candace Savage.  A comprehensive, non-technical guide to the biology and ecology of the prairies, or the Great Plains grasslands of North America - the largest ecosystem in N.A. that flows from Alberta south to Texas and from the Rockies east to the Mississippi River.  Thorough, detailed, and scientifically up-to-date.  Offers a view of the past and present, plus a vision for the future.  Describes the ecoregions of the prairies (grasslands, rangelands, prairie woodlands, aquatic habitats) and looks at what measures have been taken to preserve this amazing ecosystem.  A celebration of the beauty and diversity of N.A.'s immense central grasslands. 7-1/2 x 10, 320p, 120 color photos, 100 b&w illustrations, 22 maps, chart, 2004.
P9855 hardcover ...........US $40.00 CAN $60.00
P1901 paperback (2006) ..........US $28.95 CAN $36.95

CANADA'S BOREAL FOREST (Smithsonian Natural History Series)
David Henry.  Challenges the perception of the boreal forest as an "economic wasteland" by explaining how economically and ecologically valuable it is.  Provides an in-depth examination of the region, including its geology, vegetation, the evolution of its animals, and the factors that extensively shape the complex life of the forest.  Examines initiatives from Scandinavia and Finland that offer alternatives to large-scale logging and mining, suggesting how humans can live and work in the boreal forest in a sustainable and responsible manner. 6 x 9, 256p, 50 color + 25 b&w photos, 2002.
This title has gone out of print - limited quantity available.
C0570 hardcover ...........US $34.95 CAN $51.00

TREES (Natural World Series)
Roland Ennos.  An illustrated overview that examines trees' history, explains their mechanics, and assesses their future.  Describes the evolution of trees and the diversity of tree life today.  Explores humans' diverse relationships with trees, pointing out that trees are important components of almost all human ecosystems. 8-1/4 x 9-1/4, 112p, 130 color + b&w photos, diagrams, 2001.
This title has gone out of print - limited quantity available.
T9793 paperback ...........US $16.95 CAN $25.00

REPUBLIC OF SHADE: New England and the American Elm
Thomas Campanella.  The American elm was an essential feature of America's cultural landscape for more than a century.  This book traces the rise and fall of the mighty elm - whose dominance as America's favorite tree was toppled by the devastating epidemic of Dutch-elm disease.   A fascinating account of the elm's transformation into a regional and national icon that launched an entire nation of Elm Streets. 7 x 10, 240p, 62 b&w historic photos & illustrations, 2003.
R7395 hardcover ...........US $38.00 CAN $52.95

SEQUOIA: The Heralded Tree in American Art and Culture
Lori Vermaas. In a wide-ranging analysis of the cultural meaning of the California sequoias, Vermaas reveals how Americans have seen nature as an inspiration, natural resource, and national treasure.  The author traces how Americans have changed their perceptions of nature from the 1800’s to now.  Presents a timely perspective on both the environment and American culture, offering a new understanding of the contentious battles over the environment today. 6 x 9, 288p, 75 historic + b&w photos, 2003.
S1402 hardcover ...........US $39.95 CAN $56.95

REDWOOD CLASSIC
Ralph W. Andrews.  A memorial to the magnificent natural redwood Sequoia trees in California.  Outstanding photographs present 239 different views of redwood trees that are 3000 years old, on average, at various stages of use. 8-1/4 x 10-1/2, 174p, 239 original b&w photos, 1958.
R0493 paperback ...........US $12.95 CAN $16.95

GATHERING MOSS: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses
Robin Kimmerer.  A mix of science and personal reflection invites readers to explore and learn from the simple lives of mosses.  Reveals how mosses live and how their lives are intertwined with countless other beings, from salmon and hummingbirds to redwoods and rednecks.  Kimmerer clearly explains the biology of mosses, while at the same time reflecting on what these fascinating organisms have to teach us. 6 x 9, 176p, line drawings, 2003.
G4996 paperback ...........US $17.95 CAN $24.95

TREES: Their Natural History
Peter Thomas.  A comprehensive introduction to the natural history of trees, with information on all aspects of tree biology and ecology.  Offers fascinating insights and, in an illuminating way, addresses questions such as how trees are designed, how they grow, reproduce, and why they eventually die.  Written for a non-technical audience, but nonetheless rigorous in its treatment and is a valuable reference. 6 x 9, 296p, 83 line diagrams, 19 illustrations, 2000.
T963X paperback ...........US $32.99 CAN $44.95

FOREST PRIMEVAL: The Natural History of an Ancient Forest
Chris Maser.  A new preface and epilogue have been added to this classic work of ecology.  Traces the growth of an ancient forest in Oregon’s Cascade mountains from its fiery birth in the year 987 to present.  A unique “biography” of an ecosystem, the book portrays a diverse fabric of plants, animals, and microorganisms working in unison.  A book that challenges the way we think about nature. 6 x 9, 282p, b&w photos, 2001.
F5291 paperback ...........US $19.95 CAN $32.95

ENDURING ROOTS: Encounters with Trees, History, and the American Landscape
Gayle Brandow Samuels.  Winner, National Arbor Day Foundation's Media Award.  Tells the stories of historic American trees, including the famous Charter Oak, the Washington Cherry Blossoms, and the oldest of the world’s trees, the bristlecone pine.  Others include how Thomas Jefferson grew apple orchards and Benjamin Franklin launched an export industry for the Newtown Pippin apple into England.  Chapters focus primarily on a specific tree or group of trees and its relationship to both natural and human history. 6-1/4 x 9-1/4, 208p, 38 b&w illustrations, 1999.
E721X hardcover ...........US $25.00 CAN $37.00
E5395 paperback ..........US $16.95 CAN $23.95

NATURAL HISTORY OF TREES
Donald Culross Peattie.  These two genuine classics of natural history are the most eloquent, informative, and entertaining books ever written about the trees of North America. 6 x 9, b&w illustrations, up to 600p, paperback, 1948, 1991.
N1745 East.& Ctr. N.A. (624p) ...........US $21.00 CAN $34.95
N1753 Western N.A. (768p) ...........US $21.00 CAN $34.95

WORLD OF NORTHERN EVERGREENS
E.C. Pielou.  Conveys, in everyday language, the fascinating things to be seen and savored in the evergreen forests of northern US and Canada.  Includes distinctive features of trees, tree reproduction, impacts of fire, wind, snow, clear-cutting, air pollution, and other forest flora and fauna. Looks at the forest world with new eyes. 6 x 9, 200p, illustrations, 1988.
W4249 paperback ...........US $18.95 CAN $26.95

FOREST GIANTS OF THE WORLD: Past and Present
Al Calder.  Dr. Calder has long pursued the sighting, measuring and recording of the tallest, broadest and oldest trees in the world.  He not only has travelled the world in search of the living giants, Calder has consulted histories and records to identify those great trees that have been and gone.  An authoritative record of the world’s super trees, past and present, describing 140+ species. 7-1/4 x 10-1/4, 208p, 98 color + 34 b&w photos, 1995.
F0903 hardcover ...........US $39.95 CAN $50.00

FOREST GIANTS OF THE PACIFIC COAST
Robert Van Pelt.  A guide to the 20 largest species of conifers in North America – from the southern Sierra to Vancouver Island, and from the coast to NW Montana.  Provides an overview of the 20 species, including comparative drawings, distribution, measurements, and more.  Features profiles of 117 giant trees – individual specimens that represent the extremes to which their species can grow. 8-1/2 x 11, 224p, 115 color illus., 115 line drawings, 22 color maps,  2002.
F1407 paperback ...........US $35.00 CAN $49.95

COAST REDWOOD: A Natural and Cultural History
John Evarts, Marjorie Popper, eds..  The first contemporary illustrated book to focus exclusively on the complete natural and cultural history of the world’s tallest tree.  Describes the origins, distribution, life history, ecology, and associated wildlife.  Recounts the evolution of redwood logging, the inspiring battles for preservation, from Big Basin to Headwaters, and explores current conservation and management issues. 7-1/2 x 10-1/4, 228p, 100 historic + 230 color photos, 2001.
C0551 paperback ...........US $27.95 CAN $39.95

NEW ENGLAND FORESTS THROUGH TIME: Insights from the Harvard Forest Dioramas
David Foster, John O’Keefe.  This fascinating natural history is essential background for anyone interested in New England’s ecology, wildlife, or landscape.  The historical and environmental lessons from the transformation of New England’s landscape are told through the world-renowned dioramas in Harvard’s Fisher Museum. 8 x 10, 70p, 49 color illustrations, 2000.
N3446 paperback ...........US $10.50 CAN $14.95

READING THE FORESTED LANDSCAPE: A Natural History of New England
Tom Wessels.  A full, original portrait of New England’s forests, tracing their evolution from pre-colonial days to the present, through an examination of the patterns we see today.  Each chapter addresses a form of forest disturbance common in New England - fire, logging and blight are examples depicted in an extraordinary, full-range etching. 9 x 8-1/4, 199p, illustrations, 1997.
R4203 paperback ...........US $18.95 CAN $28.00

PLANNING A WILDERNESS: Regenerating the Great Lakes Cutover Region
James Kates.  Chronicles the extraordinary campaign to recreate the original Midwest forest – “the Great Lakes Crusade.”  Details the enormous technical challenges to restoring the North Woods and the equally arduous undertaking of selling reforestation.  An enlightening, entertaining account of a “natural” wonderland remade from the ground up. 5-7/8 x 9, 208p, 20 b&w photos, 2001.
P579X hardcover ...........US $29.95 CAN $41.95

LOB TREES IN THE WILDERNESS: The Human and Natural History of the Boundary Waters
Clifford & Isabel Ahlgren.  The classic account of human impact on the North Woods.  The authors, two of the most knowledgeable ecologists of the area, use nine native trees to serve as lob trees for this book, an ecological history of human activity in the Quetico-Superior wilderness area. 5-7/8 x 9, 232p, 71 b&w photos, 13 line drawings, reprint 2001.
L8152 paperback ...........US $15.95 CAN $22.95

THOSE OF THE FOREST
Wallace Byron Grange.  Winner – Burroughs Medal (Distinguished Nature Writing).  From one of America’s pioneer ecologists, a classic story and remarkable portrayal of forest wildlife dramatized through the lives of a succession of woodland creatures.  “Like Sand County Almanac, …this book has a timeless quality that will capture the attention of anyone interested in the outdoors.” 6 x 9, 322p, pen & ink sketches, 1953.
T0837 paperback ...........US $9.95 CAN $14.95

FIELD GUIDE TO THE FAMILIAR: Learning to Observe the Natural World (reprint ed.)
Gale Lawrence.  Encourages beginning naturalists and challenges the more experienced to look more closely at natural life cycles.  Readers learn that every plant, animal, and natural phenomenon has its own story, and they begin to perceive the natural world as whole, interconnected, and continuous. 6 x 9, 288p, 104 b&w illustrations, 1998.
F8652 paperback ...........US $17.95 CAN $27.50

BRITISH COLUMBIA: A Natural History
Richard & Sydney Cannings.  A comprehensive review of the physical and natural environments, written for the interested layperson.  Descriptions by ecological region, including marine, forests, grasslands and wetlands.  Also covers important environmental issues, like forestry practices.  A must for anyoneinterested in the beauty, incredible diversity and natural variety of B.C.. 7-1/2 x 10, 320p, color photos, b&w illustrations, 1996.
B6198 paperback ...........US $31.95 CAN $39.95

LANDSCAPE OF COMMUNITY: A History of Communal Forests in New England
Robert McCullough.  Provides a history of New England’s communal forests and their economic, environmental, and cultural impact.  Describes the shifting balance between private and public lands, while it portrays New England’s characteristic “out-of-the-way communities that have quietly achieved an unpretentious harmony with their sylvan landscapes.” 6 x 9, 472p, 37 illustrations, 56 figures, 1995.
L696X hardcover ...........US $55.00 CAN $83.95
 

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