Throughout Pennsylvania, within the state forest system, are 61 officially designated Natural Areas, each offering a bit of wildness deemed worthy of protection: rare-bird breeding sites, stands of old-growth trees, fragile wetlands, ice age remnants, mineral-rich mountainsides. To experience first-hand the unique features of each natural area, nature writer Charles Fergus spent a year visiting all 61. In this information-filled book, he reports on what he found, offering readers a guided tour of some of natural Pennsylvania's most distinctive places. He also provides information on how to visit the areas, each of which is open to the public.
Pennsylvania Naturally describes all the habitat types, all the soils and all the native plants -- but it's also a toolkit of knowledge about geography, geology and ecology especially for gardeners. It provides dozens of starter lists to use as foundations for design and includes the perfect list of plants for rain gardens. The book describes sustainable landscaping as much more than environmental responsibility. Gardens are more lush, more productive, easier to maintain and less expensive. Instead of controlling the land, we collaborate with it to design a garden that suits our taste and give us pleasure. Gorgeous gardens are possible on any scale, no matter what our resources - and we contribute to the health of the planet. Instead of trial-and-error, we plan, design and create landscapes with confidence and success. For the first time, we can garden with certainty about our soil, the habitat we have, the plants that will work. Along the way, we broaden our horizons about the astonishing variety of landscape opportunities in Pennsylvania and gain an appreciation for the complex ecology that makes the entire state a marvelous place to garden. More than 100 illustrations.
An illustrated guidebook that describes forty-nine natural places in Pennsylvania to explore and enjoy. In this sequel to the popular guidebook Outbound Journeys in Pennsylvania, Marcia Bonta describes forty-nine new outstanding natural places in Pennsylvania, featuring their old-growth forests, scenic rivers, spectacular waterfalls, rare botanical localities, outstanding wetlands, unique geological formations, endangered ecosystems, and special birdwatching areas. The book is divided into three sections--Eastern, Central, and Western Pennsylvania--and covers unique natural features in state parks, state forests, private nature sanctuaries, state game lands, county parks, environmental education centers, and a National Military Park. Each chapter discusses the flora and fauna of the site, as well as its unique features and also contains historical information so that people can learn about Pennsylvania's natural heritage without necessarily visiting the places. Bonta gives precise directions on how to reach each area, most of which are easily accessible from the major population centers of the state. In addition, she offers complete information on each site, including the best trails to follow, telephone numbers, hours, availability of group tours, and admission charges. A special section on sources and the detailed bibliography give readers more information on how to obtain maps and books that will add to their appreciation and knowledge of the places and natural history covered in the book. Most of the outings are not too strenuous and are ideal for families and groups of all kinds and ages. Aimed at a broad audience of naturalists, both armchair and active, More Outbound Journeys in Pennsylvania will also interest birdwatchers, hikers, campers, fishermen, hunters, canoeists, and wildflower and plant enthusiasts. Anyone who is interested in outdoor Pennsylvania can use this book to discover and enjoy the natural beauty of the Keystone State.
“With the twinned calamities of climate change and mass extinction weighing heavier and heavier on my nature-besotted soul, here were concrete, affordable actions that I could take, that anyone could take, to help our wild neighbors thrive in the built human environment. And it all starts with nothing more than a seed. Bringing Nature Home is a miracle: a book that summons butterflies." —Margaret Renkl, The Washington Post As development and habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. In his groundbreaking book Bringing Nature Home, Douglas W. Tallamy reveals the unbreakable link between native plant species and native wildlife—native insects cannot, or will not, eat alien plants. When native plants disappear, the insects disappear, impoverishing the food source for birds and other animals. Luckily, there is an important and simple step we can all take to help reverse this alarming trend: everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity by simply choosing native plants. By acting on Douglas Tallamy's practical and achievable recommendations, we can all make a difference.
Natural history narratives for more than 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians found in Pennsylvania and throughout the northeastern United States-written in an engaging, straightforward style.
"The Natural History of Pennsylvania" is a unique, comprehensive guide to the nature of Pennsylvania. There are more than 400 full-color photographs, maps and illustrations covering everything from bears and beavers to snakes and spiders to weather and wildflowers. Learn about the state's geology, its endangered species and its rivers and mountains. Find out how it was shaped by the ice age and the movement of the continents. Learn about the first human residents. There are identification pages, with photos, of the common birds, butterflies, trees and wildflowers. And there's a month-by-month calendar showing when events in nature happen in Pennsylvania.
From the tiny shrew to the black bear, Pennsylvania's hills and valleys are teeming with sixty-three species of wild mammals. Many of these animals are rarely seen except when pursued by an interested biologist, mammologist, or nature photographer. Now, with the publication of this book, student, scholar, and nature lover alike will have a ready reference to distinguish between a deer mouse and a white-footed mouse, to identify raccoon tracks, and to learn about Pennsylvania's other inhabitants. An attractive backpack-size volume, written in lively prose, the Guide to the Mammals of Pennsylvania opens with a short introduction to Pennsylvania's environment and the characteristics defining a mammal. The bulk of the book consists of species accounts of the mammals grouped into families and orders. Each account includes a short list of data, a Pennsylvania range map, a North American range map, and a narrative of the physical, ecological, and behavioral characteristics of the species. Exciting photographs of each of the species in its natural habitat, 17 in color, and drawings of animal tracks are especially useful for identification, and a glossary and a bibliography provide definitions and references for the serious reader. Naturalists, whether amateur or professional, will find the book useful in the field; it will be an indispensable tool in the classroom.
Guide to 65 natural areas Lake Erie, Allegheny National Forest, Pittsburgh region, Laurel Highlands > This companion for ecotourists points out western Pennsylvania's best natural attractions and explains why they're special. Birding spots, wildflower preserves, scenic overlooks, geological sites, family recreation areas, forests, rivers, and winding trails are all fully explored. These are areas where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or just restful sightseeing. Details on special features, geology, wildlife, and history of each site are provided, as well as basic tourist information and locator maps.
