Introduction to the Geology of Southern California and Its Native Plants


Book Description

With its active fault systems, complex landforms, and myriad natural habitats, southern California boasts a rich and dynamic geologic environment. This abundantly illustrated volume at last provides an up-to-date, authoritative, and accessible resource for students and general readers interested in southern California's geology and native plants. Covering an extensive area, north from San Diego to Yosemite in the Sierra Nevada and east to the Mojave and Colorado deserts, its unique, comprehensive approach brings together for the first time the basic principles of geology, the story of plate tectonics, in-depth discussion of the geology of many specific locales within the region, and information on identifying southern California's native plants.




Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley


Book Description

In exploring the panorama of the Antelope Valley's history and its people's varied aspirations, determination, and accomplishments, it is easy to see the lasting and dramatic impacts they have made. A few are famous, like young Frances Gumm, who went on to become legendary actress Judy Garland, or Richard "Dick" Rutan, who circled the world nonstop on a single tank of gas in the Rutan Voyager aircraft. Most, however, never knew fame during their lives. Some came seeking gold or worked on the railroads, the Los Angeles Aqueduct, and Borax 20 Mule Teams. Others forged ahead, farmed difficult landscapes, and found success in providing for their families. A poet laureate, the father of Death Valley geology, a suffragette who went on to achieve national fame, and individuals who broke through color barriers are among those who have made the Antelope Valley what it is today.







Wildflower Wonders


Book Description

A visual feast for both armchair naturalists and active travellers, this book provides a visually stunning and very informative guide to the world's most spectacular displays of wild flowers. From the Mojave Desert in the USA to the Italian Dolomites, and from South Africa's Cape National Park to the Stirling Ranges of Australia, this book showcases the most spectacular displays of wild blooms on the planet. Each site account begins with a locator map and info panel detailing timing, key species etc. This is followed by an informative and readable account by the expert author (who has personally visited nearly all of the sites covered) accompanied by a handful of stunning images of each location showing off the displays of flowers. In addition there are chapters on the animal life that can be found at these sites, and on the conservation status of the locations covered in the book. Many people travel widely in search of spectacular displays of flowers, but are guided only by word-of-mouth information, or by what organised tours are available. This book sets out to rectify this gap. However, it aims to be much more: the most 'flowery' places in the world are exceptionally spectacular at their best, and the beautiful photography in the book allows a broad audience to enjoy these sights without even leaving the house.




Seasonal Guide to the Natural Year


Book Description

Travel guides for nature lovers-available for six regions of the United States! These comprehensive guides offer a unique approach to travel for naturalists of all stripes, providing information on where to go and when to go. Month-by-month listings enable nature lovers to explore and behold the spectacular natural events that occur in these regions through the seasons.




Beauty and the Beast


Book Description

"Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change" is a 12 x 12'' beautifully illustrated and designed 264 page coffee table book created by conservation photographers Rob Badger and Nita Winter.Illustrations: 190 stunning images of California's diverse wildflowers and their habitats, from high mountain passes in the Sierra Nevada mountains to below sea level in Death Valley National Park.Essays: Sixteen talented and diverse authors and scientists, most of whom are women, wrote 18 storytelling style essays (1,200 to 1,800 words) about nature, conservation, climate change or taking action. The two younger authors write about hope and action, and what people can do to help create positive change. The book has three sections: The Gift of Beauty, The Human Connection and Ensuring the Future.Because people are constantly hearing about all the negative things going on in the world, Nita and Rob believed there was a need for a different, softer approach to grab people's attention and center it on the climate-change story, and conservation and population issues. They engage their audiences by first inviting them to experience the splendor of the natural world through a universal symbol of beauty, the wildflower, and then educate and inspire them to take some of the simple actions they provide to create positive change and a healthier planet. Their goal is to spread conservation and climate change ideas far beyond native plant and nature lovers, and to plant the seeds to foster action."Beauty and the Beast" is a 27 year photographic journey into the public lands of California. Lands we all own, lands under constant threat of development or resource extraction, impacts of global warming, sea level rise and wildfires. This book is as much a treasure as the flowers and creatures which are featured within its pages. Nita and Rob extend a hand to you to come in and take a long, slow look around and see what they have seen, experienced and have learned. Book includes two comprehensive indexes and a glossary.Co-published by WinterBadger Press and the California Native Plant Society




The White Heart of Mojave


Book Description




The Mystic Mid-region


Book Description




The Humane Gardener


Book Description

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.