Natural History (Various)
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Environmental Justice in New Mexico
Counting Coup
by Valerie Rangel
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
In New Mexico and across America, communities of color bear the brunt of contamination from generations of expansion, mining, nuclear testing and illegal dumping. The nation's largest uranium waste spill occurred in 1979 at Church Rock, and radioactivity in the Rio Puerco remains at dangerous levels. The National Trust for Historic Preservation listed Mount Taylor as one of the ten most endangered historic sites in America. After decades of sickness from Rio Grande river water, the first female governor of a Pueblo Nation, Verna Olgin Teller, led tribal members to a Supreme Court victory over Albuquerque. Valerie Rangel presents stories of strife and struggle in the war to protect the integrity of natural systems, rights to religious freedom and the continuation of traditional customs.
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The Changing Blue Ridge Mountains
Essays on Journeys Past and Present
by Brent Martin
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Explore this section of the Appalachians in these essays examining its history, its wilderness, and what change means for its future.
In the eighteenth century, naturalist and artist William Bartram traveled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and spent time documenting both plant life and the customs of the Middle Town Cherokees. Since that time, men and women like Bartram have journeyed through Western North Carolina's wildest and most remote places and written about their experiences. The essays in this volume compare the present day to those historical journeys and explore the idea of wilderness and what change means for the future of the people and the species who live in the mountains. Join local writer and guide Brent Martin on a journey through this incredible landscape.
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River of Spirits
A Natural History Of New Mexico's Las Animas Creek
by Harley G. Shaw
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Originating high in New Mexico's mysterious Black Range and flowing to the Rio Grande amid contorted, ghost-like sycamores, Las Animas Creek remains one of the least accessible landscapes in the nation. The watershed is best known as the site of Apache chief Victorio's last major battle with the U.S. Cavalry before his retreat and ultimate defeat by the Mexican army. Despite its geographic isolation, the watershed remains closely linked with the history of nearby Kingston, Hillsboro and Caballo. Once home to New Mexico's last grizzly, Las Animas sustains a diverse range of native plants and wild animals, including bison, prairie dogs and mountain lions, as well as a host of endangered species. Aldo Leopold Wilderness and Ted Turner's Ladder Ranch ensure it remains Rio de las Animas, the "River of Spirits." Wildlife research biologist Harley G. Shaw compiles a human and natural history of this remote ecosystem.
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Chattanooga's Robert Sparks Walker
The Unconventional Life Of An East Tennessee Naturalist
by Alexandra Walker Clark
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The legend that was Robert Sparks Walker began in a log cabin outside Chattanooga called Spring Frog Cabin, a humble abode built by a Cherokee naturalist in 1750. Walker would continue in the footsteps of that Cherokee to become synonymous both with Chattanooga and nature, penning thousands of articles, poems and books as a naturalist. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, Walker gained international fame for his work, yet his largest impact remains in his native Tennessee. He helped to found the Chattanooga Audubon Society, including preserving his childhood home through Audubon Acres. Walker is remembered throughout the state for his nationally syndicated nature column, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship is given in his name. His life was one of adventure, reflection and a deep devotion to the understanding and preservation of nature. Local author Alexandra Walker Clark, granddaughter of Robert Sparks Walker, celebrates the life of this Scenic City pioneer.
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The Nantahala River
A History & Guide
by Lance Holland
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Most everyone who comes to western North Carolina has heard of the Nantahala, but few know its history. Long before it was a mecca for rafters and thrill seekers, it was traveled by naturalists and explorers from William Bartram to John C. Frémont. After the Cherokees were driven out, settlers arrived and began exporting the wealth of the mountains in the form of timber, talc and minerals. Tourists arrived on the Western Turnpike soon after, and the railroad brought more around 1890. The federal government began purchasing land for the new Nantahala National Forest, and the need for aluminum to fight World War II precipitated the construction of Fontana Lake and Nantahala Lake. Local author Lance Holland has crafted an enlightening and entertaining narrative history of this unique region.
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An Ocklawaha River Odyssey
Paddling Through Natural History
by Elizabeth Randall
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Photojournalists Bob and Liz Randall spent two years exploring Florida's ancient and enchanting Ocklawaha River. Their journey provides an inside look at the rich recreational resources of the river, its wildlife and the people, past and present, who contributed to its history and welfare. Along the way, they met artists, environmentalists, captains, law enforcement officials, conservationists, filmmakers, historians and local descendants whose lives are inextricably intertwined with the prehistoric river. From its subterranean and aquatic past to the Seminole Indian Wars, the steamboat era and political struggles, many voices are integral to the river's survival and to one of the longest environmental conflicts in Florida history.
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A Natural History of Lake Ontario
by Susan P. Gateley
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Formed by glaciers more than twelve thousand years ago, Lake Ontario has captivated nature lovers for generations. Unique among the Great Lakes for having once, been connected to the sea, fossils from ocean life have been, found near the lake's shores. Damage done to Lake Ontario's ecosystem from centuries of human activity was center stage in the fight to pass the Clean Water Act and the restoration that followed. From incredibly diverse bird migrations in the spring and fall to the squalls and lake effect snow in winter, each season offers a rich ecological tapestry.
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Catching Yellowstone's Wild Trout
A Fly-Fishing History and Guide
by Chris Hunt
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
This history and guide to the fly-fishing waters of Yellowstone National Park is a loving homage to the region's iconic wild trout.
Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most storied destinations in the history of fly fishing. Casting in the Firehole River is like going back in time to, when bison roamed nearly every meadow in the West. Restored to their natal streams after near extinction, native Arctic grayling can, once again be plucked from icy water at the foot of breathtaking waterfalls.
Meanwhile, a daylong hike into true wild country rewards an angler with a chance to catch trophy native cutthroat trout on a lonely mountain lake. In Catching Yellowstone's Wild Trout, local journalist and experienced angler Chris Hunt explores the rich history of these beloved and bountiful waters.
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Cherokee National Forest
A History
by Marci Spencer
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Explore the sacred homeland of the Cherokee people Created in 1920, the 650,000-acre Cherokee National Forest lies north and south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the sacred homeland of the Cherokees, it pays tribute to its heritage in its name and protects ancient indigenous burial caves and portions of the Trail of Tears. By car, foot, horse, or watercraft, visitors explore the natural beauties of the region, such as the Roan, Max Patch, Unicoi, and Unaka mountains and the Ocoee, Hiwassee, Nolichucky, Watauga, and French Broad rivers. The Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and John Muir trails and other pathways lead to mountain-top views, rock cliffs, forested coves and gardens of abundant wildflowers. Local author Marci Spencer tells the stories of these wonders and the early settlers, railroad workers, loggers and miners who lived and worked among them.
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High Vistas, Volume I
An Anthology of Nature Writing From Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains, 1674-1900
by George Ellison
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
High Vistas is the first anthology devoted to nature and descriptive writing from Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains, inclusive of the Tennessee side of the present day Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Arranged chronologically with annotations, the twenty-one selections in this second of two volumes display the variety and development of nature and descriptive writing in the region during the twentieth century through today.
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Fly Fishing New Hampshire's Secret Waters
by Steve Angers
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
New Hampshire's hard and rugged exterior protects one of America's richest native brook trout fisheries. These abundant waters are as varied as the landscape, from Mount Washington to peaceful meadows. The anticipation of the largest mayfly hatch contrasts with the quiet, deep waters of holding pools, and anglers are rewarded when they learn how to read the rivers and streams. Remote areas such as the Perry Ponds may require an entire day, while more accessible waters such as Mink Brook still provide excitement. With more than fifty years of experience, Steve Angers reveals some of his favorite spots and details what it takes to be successful when fishing in the Granite State.
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Fly Fishing & Conservation in Vermont
Stories of the Battenkill and Beyond
by Tim Traver
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Vermont is an angler's paradise, but few pause to consider the past and future impact that conservation has had on trout fishing. Writer, angler and conservationist Tim Traver combines the latest fisheries science with well-seasoned opinions on the storied past, evolving present and hopeful future of this worthy pursuit. Become part of a long-running stewardship and restoration story with a history of success and a challenging future. This is fishing journalism at its best, with stories and resources that are sure to whet your appetite for exploring the rivers, streams and lakes in the most rural corners of the state. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book supports the work of the White River Partnership and Vermont River Conservancy.
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DuPont Forest
A History
by Danny Bernstein
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
DuPont Forest protects thousands of acres of trees, five lakes and more than one hundred miles of multiuse trails. It attracts hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers from all over the United States, and its six waterfalls have been featured in movies like The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. All of this natural beauty is easily accessible, increasing its appeal. It took not only the generosity of a multinational company but also Southern Appalachian grit and self-reliance and local activism to make these benefits available to all. DuPont Forest is young, and its future is still unfolding. Author and hiker Danny Bernstein traces the past of DuPont State Recreational Forest and shows its potential.
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Nantahala National Forest
A History
by Marci Spencer
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Created in 1920, the 500,000-acre Nantahala National Forest dominates the rugged southwestern corner of North Carolina. Rivers such as the Cheoah, Cullasaja, Chattooga, Nantahala and Tuckasegee carve deep gorges, making the region one of the wettest in the nation. The Whitewater River tumbles over the highest waterfall in the eastern United States. Power companies dammed local rivers, creating some of North Carolina's most scenic recreational mountain lakes. The high peaks, secluded coves and forested woodlands of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Panthertown Valley and Buck Creek Serpentine Pine Barrens and other areas hold cultural and natural history secrets. Author and naturalist Marci Spencer reveals the history and splendor of the Nantahala National Forest.
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The Religious Anecdotes of Scotland
by William Adamson
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
This vintage book contains a collection of anecdotes and accounts relating to religious figures and events in Scotland's history. Insightful, interesting, and often entertaining, this volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in Scottish religious history and would make for a fantastic addition to collections of allied literature. Contents include: "Lord Hailes discovering Hidden Treasures", "Shirra of Kirkcaldy", "Josephus Utilised at Peebles", "Carlyle and his Mother", John Knox and Queen Mary", "Samuel Rutherford's Last Words", "Hearing the World-Ebenezer Erskine", "A Pedlar at Balmoral", "The Marrow of Modern Divinity", "The Good Bishop Leighton", "A Swearer Reproved", "A Prodigal's Return", "Jenny Geddes and her Stool", "'I Will be with you Always", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in high-quality edition complete the original artwork and text.
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Louisiana Birding
Stories on Strategy, Stewardship & Serendipity
by John K. Flores
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
From the bayous of the coast to prairies and rolling hills, Louisiana is home to a vibrant and thriving avian population. Herons, American goldfinches, snow geese and more call the state coastline home during the winter months. The music of neotropic songbirds like the parula and the prothonotary warbler fills the bayous every spring morning. Endangered species like the whooping crane and brown pelican have been reintroduced to the state to great success. The pragmatic conservation efforts of state, federal and private agencies not only led to the successful delisting of some endangered species of birds but also helped develop protocols for the future stewardship of others. Award-winning outdoor writer and photographer John Flores celebrates Louisiana's notable feathered inhabitants in their natural habitats.
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Protecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands
The Conservation Story
by Charles LeBuff
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The vibrant Sanibel and Captiva Islands are ecological marvels compared to Florida's many overbuilt barrier islands. Development began with the construction of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 1884, when only the lighthouse keeper and assistant and their families lived on the island. Noted conservationist Jay N. "Ding" Darling led the charge in preserving the islands' wildlife and natural beauty from the greed of real estate speculators and land developers in the 1930s. Former presidents like Harry Truman and cabinet-level executives worked alongside Sanibel and Captiva residents, setting up preserves and wildlife refuges to guard the integrity of the islands' unique natural blessings, abundant wildlife and aquatic stores. Charles LeBuff and Betty Anholt review the evolution of the islands' conservation ethic and how it perseveres even today.
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McKittrick Canyon
A Beautiful History
by Donna Blake Birchell
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The Guadalupe Mountains hold what some call the most beautiful spot in Texas. Once home to the Mescalero Apaches, McKittrick Canyon is an alluring wonderland of lush and abundant flora and fauna. It is named for Captain Felix McKittrick, who acquired the land for ranching in 1869. Legends of lost Spanish gold mines drew many unsuccessful prospectors before the turn of the century. Later, through the monumental efforts of early landowners J.C. Hunter Sr. and Wallace Pratt, the canyon was preserved as a pristine portion of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Each fall, eager visitors witness a vibrant show headlined by bigtooth maple and a variety of oak trees. Join author Donna Blake Birchell in an exploration of McKittrick Canyon's colorful history.
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High Vistas
An Anthology of Nature Writing from Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains, Volume II,
by George Ellison
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
High Vistas is the first anthology devoted to nature and descriptive writing from Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains, inclusive of the Tennessee side of the present day Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Arranged chronologically with annotations, the twenty-one selections in this second of two volumes display the variety and development of nature and descriptive writing in the region during the twentieth century through today.
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Tracing the Cape Romain Archipelago
by Bob Raynor
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Between Myrtle Beach and Charleston lies the Cape Romain archipelago, which links with adjoining barrier islands to form a section of pristine, protected coast designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Local sailing enthusiast Bob Raynor, author of Exploring Bull Island, spent years weaving through the archipelago in his silent sailboat, Kingfisher. On his many forays through the wild territory, he encountered diverse and abundant wildlife, Native American shell middens, storms, conservation efforts and plenty of cultural and natural history. His captivating, firsthand descriptions of the area, which is under threat from coastal development, offer a priceless glimpse into one of South Carolina's most important natural treasures.
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Elkmont's Uncle Lem Ownby
Sage of the Smokies
by F. Carroll McMahan
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Born in 1889 in the Smoky Mountains, Lem Ownby became one of the region's most recognized figures. Sight-impaired from an early age, Lem spent his life logging, bear hunting, farming and tending his beehives. He welcomed the arrival of logging operations into the pristine wilderness but became an eyewitness to the devastation it brought to land, streams and wildlife. As the last leaseholder living within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lem became a legend, selling his honey and offering pearls of wisdom to hikers, writers and even the governor. Lem's principles remained solid, his opinions so unwavering that he once refused to entertain two Supreme Court justices. Enter the forest with author F. Carroll McMahan as he tells dramatic, fascinating and sometimes humorous stories of a man who lived truly on his own terms.
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Streams and Prairie Montana Peaks
A Natural History
by E. Donnall Thomas Jr.
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
From the peaks of the Continental Divide to the expanse of its eastern prairie, Montana contains some of America's richest wildlife habitat. Wilderness guide and author Don Thomas offers a series of personal ecological reflections on subjects as grand as the grizzly, as controversial as the wolf and as obscure as the upland plover. From native lore and the observations of Lewis and Clark to the present day, Thomas traces the history of human attitudes toward the region's wildlife. The result is both a guide and a testament to the value of western wildlife and ecosystems.
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Exploring Southern New Hampshire
History and Nature on Back Roads and Quiet Waters
by Lucie Bryar
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Walkers, bikers, paddlers and snowshoers can encounter relics of the past and their incredible tales from Keene to the Seacoast. "Exploring Southern New Hampshire" takes history off the page, out of the car and into the welcoming pine-scented woods and pristine waters of the Granite State. Hike Mount Monadnock, paddle the Nashua River and retrace Lincoln's footsteps down Exeter's streets. Experience the legacy of a women's sawmill at Turkey Pond from the waters that powered it. Visit Cathedral of the Pines, a beautiful outdoor altar built with stones from historic sites around the world. Set sail on the Piscataqua River onboard a gundalow and learn about the region's rich maritime history. Local history explorer and nature lover Lucie Bryar leads readers through the Monadnock, Merrimack Valley and Seacoast regions. Granite State natives and transplants alike will explore trails and waterways to gain a new appreciation for the history hidden in natural New Hampshire.
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Chattanooga's Robert Sparks Walker
The Unconventional Life of an East Tennessee Naturalist
by Alexandra Walker Clark
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The legend that was Robert Sparks Walker began in a log cabin outside Chattanooga called Spring Frog Cabin, a humble abode built by a Cherokee naturalist in 1750. Walker would continue in the footsteps of that Cherokee to become synonymous both with Chattanooga and nature, penning thousands of articles, poems and books as a naturalist. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, Walker gained international fame for his work, yet his largest impact remains in his native Tennessee. He helped to found the Chattanooga Audubon Society, including preserving his childhood home through Audubon Acres. Walker is remembered throughout the state for his nationally syndicated nature column, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship is given in his name. His life was one of adventure, reflection and a deep devotion to the understanding and preservation of nature. Local author Alexandra Walker Clark, granddaughter of Robert Sparks Walker, celebrates the life of this Scenic City pioneer.
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A Natural History of Trail Ridge Road
Rocky Mountain National Park's Highway to the Sky
by Amy Law
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Constructed from 1929 to 1932 and opened to tourists and drivers the following year, Trail Ridge Road earned immediate inclusion among the scenic wonders of the world. The new path through the park followed the ancient trail across Tombstone Ridge and offered visitors breathtaking views and a privileged glimpse at unique ecosystems. Today, Trail Ridge Road endures as a truly otherworldly place. It is the country's highest continuous paved road, peaking at over twelve thousand feet and running forty-eight miles. Join author Amy Law on a tour across the Continental Divide and through the history of Colorado's most famous byway.
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Chiricahua Mountains
History and Nature
by William Ascarza
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
With elevations above nine thousand feet, dense vegetation and unique rock formations, the Chiricahua Mountains are a unique wildlife refuge and natural botanic reserve. Inhabited by Apaches and then homesteaders, the U.S. Cavalry, miners, outlaws and tourists, this range has retained its allure through time. Apache legend Geronimo surrendered in 1886 to General Nelson Miles in Skeleton Canyon, on the east side of the Chiricahuas in the neighboring Peloncillo Mountains. Johnny Ringo and Curly Bill Brocius led the outlaws in the short-lived town of Galeyville. Chiricahua National Monument was created in 1924, and the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived in the 1930s to build trails, rock structures and fire lookouts. Join author William Ascarza as he tours the natural and human histories of this magnificent Arizona mountain range.
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Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands
Essays on Natural History
by George Ellison
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Extending from Roanoke to Mount Oglethorpe and bounded by the Appalachian Mountains, the Southern Highlands is one of the most diverse natural areas in North America. From beautiful flora like the Fraser magnolia to rare ecosystems such as the mountain cedar glades, the area has been an inspiration for writers and naturalists since it was first explored by William Bartram in 1775. Investigate the biology of the cloudless sulphur butterfly, whose erratic flight is used to confuse its prey. Discover the botany of the white ash tree, said to produce the most satisfying crack of a baseball bat. Essayist, poet and naturalist George Ellison explores the abundant wonders of the Southern Highlands in a series of humorous, scientific and literary essays vividly illustrated by artist Elizabeth Ellison.
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Clingmans Dome
Highest Mountain in the Great Smokies
by Marci Spencer
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Clingmans Dome towers over the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains as the highest point in both the national park and the state of Tennessee. The mountain holds an ancient allure--the Cherokee treasured it, as did early settlers, and it captivates throngs of visitors today. Scarred by logging, invasive species and modern pollution, the mountain endures. Through lush narratives and fascinating detail, author Marci Spencer presents the natural and human history of this iconic destination, including Senator Thomas Clingman's 1858 journey to measure the mountain and the 1934 birth of the park.
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The Chattooga River
A Natural and Cultural History
by Laura Ann Garren
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The Chattooga River has run through the American consciousness since the movie "Deliverance" thrust it into the national spotlight. But this National Wild and Scenic River is much more than the make-believe set of a suburbanite nightmare. People travel from all over the country to run its rapids, cast into its current for trout and hike the miles of trails that meander through thousands of acres of woods in the Chattooga watershed. One of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southeast, the river muscles fifty-seven miles through a southern deciduous forest with one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the country and is home to many species of rare wildflowers. Join author Laura Ann Garren as she describes the history and wonder of the real Chattooga River.
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The: A Lowcountry Legacy ACE Basin
by Pete Laurie
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
In 1988, public and private agencies began an unprecedented conservation effort for 350,000 acres of wildlife habitat. ACE Basin is an undeveloped region where the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers create a natural wonder inhabited by an incredible array of plants and animals. The area is a diverse and unique combination of habitat-pine and hardwood uplands, forested wetlands, brackish and saltwater tidal marshes, barrier islands and beaches. More than 250 species of resident and migratory birds soar over the wetlands at various times. The basin offers shelter as well to endangered and threatened species, such as the woodstork, osprey, loggerhead sea turtle and shortnose sturgeon. Author and experienced nature writer Pete Laurie dives into the flora and fauna of a unique Palmetto State treasure.
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North Carolina's Wild Piedmont
A Natural History
by Adam Morgan
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The North Carolina Piedmont is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. Home to eleven state parks, three state natural areas, a national wildlife refuge and a national forest, the region offers more than just gently rolling hills. Tour the wild wine vines in Medoc Mountain State Park, marvel at the floodplains of the Haw River and follow the migratory birds in Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. Experience the natural history, field research, interviews with park rangers and firsthand experiences of the state's largest physiographic region. Author Adam Morgan joins in a rich tradition of nature writing to paint the majestic beauty and raw power of North Carolina's wild Piedmont.
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101 Glimpses of the Old Man of the Mountain
by Dr. Bruce D. Heald, Ph. D.
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The Old Man of the Mountain once cast a steady gaze upon the slopes of Franconia Notch. Its profile drew writers, explorers and presidents, delighting all who glimpsed its features. But when it collapsed on May 3, 2003, the Old Man seemed forever lost. Veteran historian Bruce Heald and the last caretaker of the Old Man, David Nielsen, have gathered 101 images from the profile's long history. These one-of-a-kind photos from Nielsen's private collection depict four decades of preservation work, seismic testing by national experts, visits from dignitaries and rare memorabilia. With Nielsen's personal reflections on his life's work and Heald's notes on the history of the Old Man, this volume recaptures the wonder of New Hampshire's great stone face.
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Black Elk Peak
A History
by Bradley Saum
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The history of Black Elk Peak-previously known as Hinhan Kaga and, more recently, as Harney Peak-remained segmented and scattered throughout the shadows of antiquity, until now. The natural landmark's namesake, Black Elk, experienced his great vision here, solidifying his status as a Sioux holy man. Obstructed by the insurmountable granite, General Custer and his horse nearly summited during the 1874 expedition. On that granite, sculptor Gutzon Borglum made the decision to carve a grand monument into the face of nearby Mount Rushmore. Prior to serving as the first Pine Ridge Reservation Indian agent and then mayor of Rapid City, Valentine McGillycuddy documented his ascent to the peak in 1875, where his ashes would come to rest. Author Bradley Saum chronicles the unique and untold stories that are intrinsically linked to the highest point in the Black Hills.
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River of Spirits
A Natural History of New Mexico's Las Animas Creek
by Harley G. Shaw
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Originating high in New Mexico's mysterious Black Range and flowing to the Rio Grande amid contorted, ghost-like sycamores, Las Animas Creek remains one of the least accessible landscapes in the nation. The watershed is best known as the site of Apache chief Victorio's last major battle with the U.S. Cavalry before his retreat and ultimate defeat by the Mexican army. Despite its geographic isolation, the watershed remains closely linked with the history of nearby Kingston, Hillsboro and Caballo. Once home to New Mexico's last grizzly, Las Animas sustains a diverse range of native plants and wild animals, including bison, prairie dogs and mountain lions, as well as a host of endangered species. Aldo Leopold Wilderness and Ted Turner's Ladder Ranch ensure it remains Rio de las Animas, the River of Spirits. Wildlife research biologist Harley G. Shaw compiles a human and natural history of this remote ecosystem.
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Nemasket River Herring
A History
by Michael J. Maddigan
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Every spring, the Nemasket River welcomes thousands of migratory river herring that thrash and leap as they fight their way upstream from Mount Hope Bay. Of all non-domesticated animals, the river herring--or alewife--has arguably had the greatest impact on the towns along the river in southeastern Massachusetts. The area was called "Nemasket," or "place of fish," by Native Americans, and its earliest English colonists were dependent on river herring for their very survival. They provided a livelihood for generations of families in Middleborough and Lakeville, shaping their culture and the course of the region's development. Today, herring fishing is banned, and the community is working toward protecting and preserving the river so the herring have a place to return each year. Join historian Michael J. Maddigan as he explores the big story of the small fish that shaped life along the Nemasket River.
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An Environmental History of the Willamette Valley
by Elizabeth Orr
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Western Oregon's Willamette Basin, once a vast wilderness, became a thriving community almost overnight. When Oregon territory was opened for homesteading in the early 1800s, most of the intrepid pioneers settled in the valley, spurring rapid changes in the landscape. Heralded as fertile with a mild climate and an abundance of natural resources, the valley enticed farmers, miners and loggers, who were quickly followed by the construction of rail lines and roads. Dams were built to harness the once free-flowing Willamette River and provide power to the growing population. As cities rose, people like Portland architect Edward Bennett and conservationist governor Tom McCall worked to contain urban sprawl. Authors Elizabeth and William Orr bring to life the changes that sculpted Oregon's beloved Willamette Valley.
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Loons of New Hampshire
Preserving A Natural Treasure
by Glenn A. Knoblock
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
Noted for its stunning plumage and haunting cries, the common loon is an iconic symbol of nature in the Granite State. Once a familiar site on local ponds and lakes, by the early twentieth century their numbers had dwindled due to human activity. By the 1970s less than two hundred remained. It was only with the formation of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1975 by pioneer conservationist Rawson Wood that the plight of loons in New Hampshire changed for the better. Author Glenn Knoblock, in collaboration with leading experts from the organization, reveals the sometimes-mysterious nature of this beloved bird, its presence throughout the state's history, the threats it faces today and the extensive efforts to recover the population. The Loon Preservation Committee is the only organization in New Hampshire working directly on their behalf. A portion of the proceeds of the sales of this book will go directly to the organization to fund ongoing conservation efforts.
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The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Across North Carolina
Walking a Thousand Miles through Wildness, Culture and History
by Danny Bernstein
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail shows off the most spectacular, historic and quirky elements of the North Carolina landscape. Stretching one thousand miles from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to Jockey's Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks, the route takes in Fraser fir trees and pelicans, old grist and textile mills, working cotton and tobacco farms, Revolutionary War sites and two British cemeteries complete with Union Jacks. The trail is half on footpaths and half on back roads, offering experiences not only in nature but also in small towns, at historic monuments, in family cemeteries and in local shops. Author Danny Bernstein has taken it all in and shares her knowledge for those who might follow in her footsteps.
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Wild Catalina Island
Natural Secrets and Ecological Triumphs
by Frank J. Hein
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
A year-round escape for one million annual tourists, Catalina Island is gaining popularity as a world-class eco-destination. Eighty-eight percent of the island is under the watch of the Catalina Island Conservancy, which preserves, manages and restores the island's unique wild lands. Bison, foxes and bald eagles are its best-known inhabitants, but Catalina is home to more than sixty other animal and plant species that exist nowhere else on earth. And they are all within the boundaries of one of the world's most populous regions: Los Angeles County. Biologists Frank Hein and Carlos de la Rosa present a highly enjoyable tour through the fascinating origins, mysterious quirks and ecological victories of one of the West Coast's most remarkable places.
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Environmental Justice in New Mexico
Counting Coup
by Valerie Rangel
Part of the Natural History (Various) series
In New Mexico and across America, communities of color bear the brunt of contamination from generations of expansion, mining, nuclear testing and illegal dumping. The nation's largest uranium waste spill occurred in 1979 at Church Rock, and radioactivity in the Rio Puerco remains at dangerous levels. The National Trust for Historic Preservation listed Mount Taylor as one of the ten most endangered historic sites in America. After decades of sickness from Rio Grande river water, the first female governor of a Pueblo Nation, Verna Olgin Teller, led tribal members to a Supreme Court victory over Albuquerque. Valerie Rangel presents stories of strife and struggle in the war to protect the integrity of natural systems, rights to religious freedom and the continuation of traditional customs.
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