California Forests and Woodlands: A Natural History (Volume 58) (California Natural History Guides)

From majestic Redwoods to ancient Western Bristlecone Pines Californias trees have long inspired artists poets naturalistsand real estate developers. Verna Johnstons splendid book illustrated with her superb color photographs and Carla Simmonss detailed black-and-white drawings now offers an unparalleled view of the Golden States world-renowned forests and woodlands. In clear vivid prose Johnston introduces each of the states dominant forest types. She describes the unique characteristics of the trees and the interrelationships of the plants and animals living among them and she analyzes how fire flood fungi weather soil and humans have affected the forest ecology. The world of forest and woodland animals comes alive in these pagesthe mating games predation patterns communal life and the microscopic environment of invertebrates and fungi are all here. Johnston also presents a sobering view of the environmental hazards that threaten the states trees: acid snow ozone blister rust over-logging. Noting the interconnectedness of the diverse life forms within tree regions she suggests possible answers to the problems currently plaguing these areas. Enriched by the observations of early naturalists and Johnstons many years of fieldwork this is a book that will be welcomed by all who care about Californias treasured forests and woodlands.