California's Changing Landscapes


Book Description

California is rich because of its great valleys & mountain ranges, rivers & deserts, each home to a unique assemblage of plants & animals. The living landscape of California has changed dramatically over the past one hundred years. The process of rapid change began with emigrants who, from their native lands, carried seed & seedlings to be nourished by California's rich soils & hospitable climate. Change continues today with each wave of newcomers & the process remains unfinished. This book visits each of the major native plant communities that have evolved in California: the dunes & marshes of the coast, the forests that clothe the mountains & the deserts that attract visitors from around the world. It also examines the great cultural mosaic of early native inhabitants & how they built their cultures in harmony with native plants & animals. And finally it looks at restoration of habitats damaged by past activities. This book will assist readers to understand California's rich botanical landscape, past & present, & thus, help them make more knowledgeable decisions for the future. It is appropriate for general readers of natural history, high school & college classes. Available from the California Native Plant Society, 909 12th St., Sacramento, CA 95814.




A State of Change


Book Description

Its hard to imagine Californias landscape before European explorers arrived and recorded what they saw. Laura Cunninghams research goes well beyond that and her art brings that landscape to life once again




Rise of the Ranges of Light


Book Description




Climate Stewardship


Book Description

Preface : united by nature, guided by science -- Extreme events, life in the new normal -- Big bay to tech town -- A changing harvest -- Keeping forests green and snow white -- Climate canaries -- Los Angeles plants itself -- Riding the California current.




Rewilding Agricultural Landscapes


Book Description

As the world population grows, so does the demand for food, putting unprecedented pressure on agricultural lands. In many desert dryland regions, however, intensive cultivation is causing their productivity to decline precipitously. "Rewilding" the least productive of these landscapes offers a sensible way to reverse the damage, recover natural diversity, and ensure long-term sustainability of remaining farms and the communities they support. This accessibly written, groundbreaking contributed volume is the first to examine in detail what it would take to retire eligible farmland and restore functioning natural ecosystems. The lessons in Rewilding Agricultural Landscapes will be useful to conservation leaders, policymakers, groundwater agencies, and water managers looking for inspiration and practical advice for solving the complicated issues of agricultural sustainability and water management.







California Friendly


Book Description

California Friendly® is California's future. Water reliability is dependent on using water wisely. We need to create sustainable gardens that rely on less water. This maintenance guide will help you support California's future:*Uncover the secrets of efficient irrigation.*Explore the techniques for irrigating with recycled water.*Get the maintenance tips for hundreds of California Friendly® plants.*Discover the methods and means of managing weed and pest infestations.*Learn how to maintain rainwater capture opportunities.This book has been written for every landscaper, gardener and land manager in Southern California. It has been produced by the very first collaboration between three Southern California organizations, LADWP, MWD and SoCalGas. Grab a copy--they are free--use the information in your garden and help us create a beautiful, thriving and sustainable future.




Atlas of the Biodiversity of California


Book Description

Those of us who live in California know that it is an amazing place, and one of the reasons our state is so unique is the incredible diversity of life throughout its length and breadth. This atlas shows what the diversity of life in California is and where such resources are located.




Trees of the California Landscape


Book Description

"A valuable resource for both student and practitioner. The text and photos are clear, concise, and informative. A valuable addition to any library, the general public as well."--Kenneth S. Nakaba, FASLA, Professor, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona "This is the treed landscape knowledge source, and the design and management tool we have all been hoping to see for decades. Bridging horticulture and design, it spans without judgment native specifics, introduced "near-native," and "not-so-near-native" trees. It provides the much asked-for design settings as well as the species characteristics in all their delight and imagery. This exhaustive treatise on California trees even sets the context for the big issues of climate, geomorphic, topographic and hydrologic effects, and how we design with trees so as to be true partners in the best future for California."--Joe Brown, Principal, EDAW, Inc. "I find the concept for Chuck's book quite exciting and envision it will be used both by those involved with urban landscapes as well as those involved with restoration of native habitats. It is a well-researched compendium that will aid anyone who is interested in trees and their use in a wide variety of situations. The photographs in the book are an excellent aid in tree identifications and the single volume will reduce the need carry around multiple references for identification of both native as well as non-native trees. It is my hope that Chuck's book will stimulate greater use of California's drought tolerant native trees in landscape plantings because of their reduced water requirements and ecological compatibility with other native plants and animals."--Monty Knudsen, Assistant Project Leader, USDI Fish & Wildlife Service "Trees of the California Landscape is a masterful combination of those native and non-Californian species that have importance in wildlands or the designed landscape or both. Each of the 468-plus pages is devoted to a single species, with photographs of the tree, the bark, and leafy branches accompanied by an amazingly efficient text that summarizes the natural distribution, key identification traits, tree architecture, longevity, and suitable habitats for planting, all in a very readable style. Charles Hatch has created an excellent reference for forest ecologists, landscape designers, horticulturalists, and restoration specialists--not only in California, but throughout the United States."--Michael G. Barbour, Professor of Plant Ecology, University of California, Davis "This richly illustrated book provides a much needed resource for students, educators and practitioners."--Margarita M. Hill, Head, Landscape Architecture Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo




The Drought-Defying California Garden


Book Description

A must-have for every gardener in California looking for a new way to garden in a changing climate In recent years California has been facing extreme drought, and in 2015 they passed state-wide water restrictions that affect home owners. Unfortunately the drought is only going to get worse, and gardeners who aren’t willing to abandon their beloved pastime entirely are going to have to learn how to garden with the absolute minimum of water. The Drought-Defying California Garden highlights the best 230 plants to grow, shares advice on how to get them established, and offers tips on how to maintain them with the minimum amount of water. All of the plants are native to California—making them uniquely adept at managing the harsh climate—and include perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, and succulents.