Famous Trees of Texas


Book Description

Famous Trees of Texas was first published in 1970 by the Texas Forest Service (now Texas A&M Forest Service), an organization created in 1915 and charged with protecting and sustaining the forests, trees, and other related natural resources of Texas. For the 100-year anniversary of TFS, the agency presents a new edition of this classic book, telling the stories of 101 trees throughout the state. Some are old friends, featured in the first edition and still alive (27 of the original 81 trees described in the first edition have died); some are newly designated, discovered as people began to recognize their age and value. All of them remain “living links” to the state’s storied past.




Sawdust Empire


Book Description

This first comprehensive story of logging, lumbering, and forest conservation in Texas records the industry’s history from the earliest days of the Republic, when a few isolated operations provided for local needs, through the first four decades of the twentieth century. Supplemented by over one hundred photographs, many never before published, the text re-creates Texas’ heyday as one of the nation’s leading timber producers. At that time, the forested area equaled the state of Indiana. In the words of one visitor, the forest was “like a vast wave that has rolled in upon a level beach . . . creeping forward, thinning out, and finally disappearing, except where, along a river course, it pushes far inland.” The industry’s most significant growth occurred between the end of Reconstruction and the beginnings of World War II, when entrepreneurs from the North, the South, and the East ventured into the vast stands of virgin timber in the Texas Piney Woods. These pioneers, attracted by the great potential fortunes to be made, provided the capital, expertise, and energy that introduced large mills and railroads to Texas lumbering and developed markets for their products—not only in Houston, Dallas, and other Texas cities but also across the United States and throughout the world. Various lumber companies, logging and mill operations, company towns, and the genesis of forest conservation are all featured in the text and illustrations. This account will appeal to historians, conservationists, and general readers interested in the Texas lumber industry and in Texas economic history.




Texas in 1837


Book Description

The earliest known eyewitness account of the first year of the Republic of Texas. Written anonymously in 1838–39 by a “Citizen of Ohio,” Texas in 1837 is the earliest known account of the first year of the Texas republic. Providing information nowhere else available, the still-unknown author describes a land rich in potential but at the time “a more suitable arena for those who have everything to make and nothing to lose than [for] the man of capital or family.” The author arrived at Galveston Island on March 22, 1837, before the city of Galveston was founded, and spent the next six months in the republic. His travels took him to Houston, then little more than a camp made up of brush shelters and jerry-built houses, and as far west as San Antonio. He observed and was generally unimpressed by governmental and social structures just beginning to take shape. He attended the first anniversary celebration of the Battle of San Jacinto and has left a memorable account of Texas’ first Independence Day. His inquiring mind and objective, acute observations of early Texas give us a way of returning to the past, and revisiting landmarks that have vanished forever.




Forest Trees of Texas: How to Know Them


Book Description

Within the pages of 'Forest Trees of Texas: How to Know Them', the editors Wilbur R. Mattoon and C. B. Webster curate an extensive exploration into the rich tapestry of Texas' arboreal treasures. This collection is remarkable not only for its comprehensive detailing of species but as a manifestation of the wider discourse on conservation and the vital importance of ecological awareness. Showcasing a diverse array of literary stylesfrom the academic to the anecdotalit is a significant contribution to environmental literature, providing a compelling overview for enthusiasts and scholars alike. The range of topics covers identification, distribution, and characteristics of trees, making it a standout reference in its field. The contributions from Wilbur R. Mattoon and C. B. Webster, both esteemed in their own right for their pioneering work in forestry and ecological studies, bring together a wealth of knowledge. Their collective expertise, grounded in early 20th-century conservation efforts, positions the anthology as a cornerstone text in environmental and botanical literature. It mirrors broader movements in ecological study and preservation, offering readers insights into the historical and cultural significance of forests in Texas and beyond. 'Forest Trees of Texas: How to Know Them' is a must-read for anyone interested in botany, environmental conservation, or the natural history of Texas. This anthology not only serves as a comprehensive guide but as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public, inviting readers to deepen their understanding of the natural world. The editors meticulous attention to detail and broad-ranging knowledge makes this collection an invaluable resource for both academic study and personal enrichment, fostering a greater appreciation for the complexities and beauty of Texas' forests.




U.S. Forest Service Grazing and Rangelands


Book Description

The early luxury of free forage on unclaimed western public domain allowed the building of fortunes in cattle and sheep and offered opportunities to successive waves of settlement. But the western public lands could not last. The range became overgrazed, overstocked, overcrowded. Animals were lost, much range was irreversible damaged, and even violence occurred as cowmen, sheepmen, and settlers competed for the best forage. Congress intervened by designating the U.S. Forest Service as the pioneer grazing control agency. The Forest Service's controls represent not only attempts to protect a resource but also a social experiment designed to prevent the monopolization of rangelands by large outfits and to encourage small enterprises. The Forest Service has become the undisputed leader in bringing order, rationality, and economic use to the range resources under government supervision. The problems and continuing challenges of the task emerge in these pages.




Comanche Marker Trees of Texas


Book Description

In this unprecedented effort to gather and share knowledge of the Native American practice of creating, designating, and making use of marker trees, an arborist, an anthropologist, and a Comanche tribal officer have merged their wisdom, research, and years of personal experience to create Comanche Marker Trees of Texas. A genuine marker tree is a rare find—only six of these natural and cultural treasures have been officially documented in Texas and recognized by the Comanche Nation. The latter third of the book highlights the characteristics of these six marker trees and gives an up-to-date history of each, displaying beautiful photographs of these long-standing, misshapen, controversial symbols that have withstood the tests of time and human activity. Thoroughly researched and richly illustrated with maps, drawings, and photographs of trees, this book offers a close look at the unique cultural significance of these living witnesses to our history and provides detailed guidelines on how to recognize, research, and report potential marker tree candidates.




Trees of Texas


Book Description

This accessible Texas tree book features: life-sized leaf images for easy identification; field-tested methods; 200 species organized by leaf shape; a regional guide to growing trees; a list of non-native trees; recipes for wild edibles; light and water requirements; and folklore and history.




The Cast Iron Forest


Book Description

“A thoughtful, thorough, and updated account of this bio-region” from the author of From Sail to Steam: Four Centuries of Texas Maritime History, 1500-1900 (Great Plains Research). Winner, Friends of the Dallas Public Library Award, Texas Institute of Letters, 2001 A complex mosaic of post oak and blackjack oak forests interspersed with prairies, the Cross Timbers cover large portions of southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and north central Texas. Home to indigenous peoples over several thousand years, the Cross Timbers were considered a barrier to westward expansion in the nineteenth century, until roads and railroads opened up the region to farmers, ranchers, coal miners, and modern city developers, all of whom changed its character in far-reaching ways. This landmark book describes the natural environment of the Cross Timbers and interprets the role that people have played in transforming the region. Richard Francaviglia opens with a natural history that discusses the region’s geography, geology, vegetation, and climate. He then traces the interaction of people and the landscape, from the earliest indigenous inhabitants and European explorers to the developers and residents of today’s ever-expanding cities and suburbs. Many historical and contemporary maps and photographs illustrate the text. “This is the most important, original, and comprehensive regional study yet to appear of the amazing Cross Timbers region in North America . . . It will likely be the standard benchmark survey of the region for quite some time.” —John Miller Morris, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Texas at San Antonio




Moon Texas


Book Description

Get to know the fiery spirit, Southern hospitality, and big personality of the Lone Star State. Inside Moon Texas you'll find: Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, from a Route 66 road trip to quick getaways to the Hill Country, Big Bend National Park, and more Unique ideas and can't-miss activities: Learn the meaning of Texas pride at the Alamo, marvel at the original Mission Control at the NASA Space Center, or explore JFK's legacy at the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. Sample authentic, smoky barbecue, classic Tex-Mex staples, and down-home Southern cooking. Catch a show in the "Live Music Capital of the World," or learn the moves at a honky-tonk in Hill Country. See the striking sunset over the Palo Duro Canyon, stroll along the Padre Island National Seashore, or watch a genuine cowboy cattle heard at a classic Texas ranch Honest advice from Austin local Andy Rhodes on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around Thorough background information on the state's culture, history, geography, and regional vernacular Full-color photos and detailed, easy-to-use maps throughout Focused coverage of Dallas and Fort Worth, Austin and the Hill Country, San Antonio and South Texas, Houston and East Texas, the Gulf Coast, El Paso and West Texas, the Big Bend Region, and the Panhandle Plains With Moon Texas' practical tips and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring more of Texas? Try Moon Austin, San Antonio & The Hill Country or Moon Dallas & Fort Worth. If you're hitting the road, check out Moon Southwest Road Trip.




Trees of Texas Field Guide


Book Description

Learn to identify Texas trees with this handy field guide, organized by leaf type and attachment. With this famous field guide by award-winning author and naturalist Stan Tekiela, you can make tree identification simple, informative, and productive. There’s no need to look through dozens of photos of trees that don’t grow in Texas. Learn about 180 species found in the state, organized by leaf type and attachment. Just look at a tree’s leaves, then go to the correct section to learn what it is. Fact-filled information contains the particulars that you want to know, while full-page photographs provide the visual detail needed for accurate identification. Book Features 180 species: Every native tree plus common non-natives Easy to use: Thumb tabs show leaf type and attachment Compare feature: Decide between look-alikes Stan’s Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts Professional photos: Crisp, stunning full-page images This new edition includes updated photographs; expanded information; a Quick Compare section for leaves, needles, and silhouettes; and even more of Stan’s expert insights. So grab Trees of Texas Field Guide for your next outing—to help ensure that you positively identify the trees that you see.