Natural History

Name: The Changing Blue Ridge Mountains
Brand: Brent Martin
SKU: 9781467142649
Price: 16.49 USD
Availability: InStock

The Natural History American history book series honors America’s most beautiful natural sites, parks, and landmarks, marrying stunning images with historical narrative. Walk through the famous Biltmore Nursery, trek through Pisgah National Forest, and go birding in Louisiana. Meet the unique creatures who call wild Catalina Island home. Go fishing in coastal South Carolina or camp out at the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. These natural history books are sure to turn any reader into an adventurer.

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The Changing Blue Ridge Mountains

Pisgah National Forest

The Delaware River

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Across North Carolina

Natural History of Lake Ontario, A

Lake Hopatcong

An Environmental History of the Willamette Valley

North Carolina's Wild Piedmont

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Adirondack Hard Times

The Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch

Natural History of Trail Ridge Road, A

Coastal South Carolina Fish and Game

Protecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands

The Conestoga River

Loons of New Hampshire

Environmental Justice in New Mexico

River of Cliffs

An Ocklawaha River Odyssey

Black Elk Peak

Fly Fishing New Hampshire's Secret Waters

True Tales of California Coastside State Parks

Wild Catalina Island:

Catching Yellowstone's Wild Trout

River of Spirits

Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands

Tilden Regional Park

Louisiana Birding

Three Sisters Wilderness

Nantahala National Forest

Fly Fishing and Conservation in Vermont

Montana Peaks, Streams and Prairie:

The Nantahala River

The ACE Basin: A Lowcountry Legacy

Nemasket River Herring:

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The Changing Blue Ridge Mountains

9781467142649

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

In the eighteenth century, naturalist and artist William Bartram traveled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and spent time documenting both plant life and the customs of the Middle Town Cherokees. Since that time, men and women like Bartram have journeyed through Western North Carolina's wildest and most remote places and written about their experiences. The essays in this volume compare the present day to those historical journeys and explore the idea of wilderness and what change means for the future of the people and the species who live in the mountains. Join local writer and guide Brent Martin on a journey through this incredible landscape.

Pisgah National Forest

9781626196346

$23.99 $17.99 Save 25%

Over 80,000 of woodland acres became the home of America's first forestry school and the heart of the East's first national forest formed under the Weeks Act.

When George Vanderbilt constructed the Biltmore House, he hired forester Gifford Pinchot and, later, Dr. Carl A. Schenck to manage his forests. Now comprising more than 500,000 acres, Pisgah National Forest holds a vast history and breathtaking natural scenery. The forest sits in the heart of the southern Appalachians and includes Linville Gorge, Catawba Falls, Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River, Roan Mountain, Max Patch, Shining Rock Wilderness and Mount Pisgah. Author and naturalist Marci Spencer treks through the human, political and natural history that has formed Pisgah National Forest.

The Delaware River

9781467141154

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Emerging from the Catskills, the Delaware River winds along the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the Atlantic, offering hundreds of miles of magnificent scenery.

Its sparkling waters supported the Lenape tribes growing maize along its banks. English explorers sailed the river in search of the mythical Lake Laconia, believed to be the source of all northeastern rivers. Urban growth pitted railroads, industry and energy companies against protectionists in continuing fights over appropriate use of the river. Hunting, fishing and boating remain vital local traditions passed from one generation to the next. Author Frank H. Moyer charts the life and legacy of the mighty Delaware.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Across North Carolina

9781609497200

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail shows off the most spectacular, historic and quirky elements of the North Carolina landscape.

Stretching one thousand miles from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to Jockey's Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks, the route takes in Fraser fir trees and pelicans, old grist and textile mills, working cotton and tobacco farms, Revolutionary War sites and two British cemeteries complete with Union Jacks. The trail is half on footpaths and half on back roads, offering experiences not only in nature but also in small towns, at historic monuments, in family cemeteries and in local shops. Author Danny Bernstein has taken it all in and shares her knowledge for those who might follow in her footsteps.

Natural History of Lake Ontario, A

9781467147927

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

Formed by glaciers more than twelve thousand years ago, Lake Ontario has captivated nature lovers for generations. Unique among the Great Lakes for having once been connected to the sea, fossils from ocean life have been found near the lake's shores. Damage done to Lake Ontario's ecosystem from centuries of human activity was center stage in the fight to pass the Clean Water Act and the restoration that followed. From incredibly diverse bird migrations in the spring and fall to the squalls and lake effect snow in winter, each season offers a rich ecological tapestry. Author Susan P. Gateley charts the natural history of Lake Ontario from its ice age origins to the climate and habitat challenges it faces today.

Lake Hopatcong

9781467154710

$24.99

The Queen of New Jersey Lakes

Only 40 miles from Manhattan, Lake Hopatcong is the largest lake in the Garden State. An early colonial pioneer in damming, the lake was formed by the flooding of Great Pond, Little Pond and the Musconetcong River. It became a luxury destination for wealthy New Yorkers looking for a cool retreat as a cadre of celebrities frequented its glamours hotels. Though the Golden Age of the lake's history has past, it remains a vibrant source of revitalization, community and environmental enjoyment for the region today. Join author Peter Astras as he recounts the history of New Jersey's Lake Hopatcong.

An Environmental History of the Willamette Valley

9781467141468

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Western Oregon's Willamette Basin, once a vast wilderness, became a thriving community almost overnight. When Oregon territory was opened for homesteading in the early 1800s, most of the intrepid pioneers settled in the valley, spurring rapid changes in the landscape. Heralded as fertile with a mild climate and an abundance of natural resources, the valley enticed farmers, miners and loggers, who were quickly followed by the construction of rail lines and roads. Dams were built to harness the once free-flowing Willamette River and provide power to the growing population. As cities rose, people like Portland architect Edward Bennett and conservationist governor Tom McCall worked to contain urban sprawl. Authors Elizabeth and William Orr bring to life the changes that sculpted Oregon's beloved Willamette Valley.

North Carolina's Wild Piedmont

9781626197770

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

The North Carolina Piedmont is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. Home to eleven state parks, three state natural areas, a national wildlife refuge and a national forest, the region offers more than just gently rolling hills. Tour the wild wine vines in Medoc Mountain State Park, marvel at the floodplains of the Haw River and follow the migratory birds in Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. Experience the natural history, field research, interviews with park rangers and firsthand experiences of the state's largest physiographic region. Author Adam Morgan joins in a rich tradition of nature writing to paint the majestic beauty and raw power of North Carolina's wild Piedmont.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

9781467144179

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is 87,563 acres of mountains, rivers and forest. It is composed of land donated by Roxanne Quimby, cofounder of Burt's Bees, but the beauty of the monument was born long ago out of molten lava and ice from glacial activity, creating a spectacular landscape. From old trails cut deep into the wilderness to sporting camps, logging and a devastating wildfire in 1903, the area has seen and survived many changes. It was declared a National Monument by President Barack Obama on August 24, 2016, and is now overseen by the National Park Service. Join local author and guide Eric Hendrickson as he reveals how an industrial forest has been returned to a pristine wilderness for future generations to enjoy.

Adirondack Hard Times

9781467148337

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

Northern New York's Adirondack Mountains and the six million acres of the Adirondack Park evolved from a rugged, forested wilderness into a playground for the wealthy. Great camps where out-of-state tourists stay in luxury stand alongside economically struggling communities. Although some look to the Adirondack Park as a model for preservation, others, especially year-round locals, are critical of the park's persistent poverty marked by blatant inequality. These disputes are imbedded in the history of the region, as the creation of the park and expansion in the nineteenth century led to layers of land use regulation and bureaucratic control that resulted in competing special interests. Local author Andrew Egan explores the park's roots, how it became a rich man's paradise and the challenges facing the local community.

The Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch

9781467142687

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Lying at the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume has enthralled travelers since the first decades of the nineteenth century. Early tourists like Emerson and Thoreau were awed by the gorge's wild grandeur and spectacular granite walls rising nearly ninety feet overhead. Railroads in the 1850s brought a flood of visitors, including artists, poets, scientists and photographers, who richly documented the natural splendor of the Flume. Since that time, the Flume has become one of New Hampshire's most popular attractions, drawing thousands to view its beauty each year. Join historian Michael J. Maddigan as he explores the fascinating history of one of New Hampshire's most beloved scenic treasures.

Natural History of Trail Ridge Road, A

9781626199354

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

Constructed from 1929 to 1932 and opened to tourists and drivers the following year, Trail Ridge Road earned immediate inclusion among the scenic wonders of the world. The new path through the park followed the ancient trail across Tombstone Ridge and offered visitors breathtaking views and a privileged glimpse at unique ecosystems. Today, Trail Ridge Road endures as a truly otherworldly place. It is the country's highest continuous paved road, peaking at over twelve thousand feet and running forty-eight miles. Join author Amy Law on a tour across the Continental Divide and through the history of Colorado's most famous byway.

Coastal South Carolina Fish and Game

9781467146821

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

Few people are familiar with the full history that shaped and preserved the fish and wildlife of coastal South Carolina. From Native Americans to the early colonists to plantation owners and their slaves to market hunters and commercial fishermen, all viewed fish and wildlife as limitless. Through time, however, overharvesting led to population declines, and the public demanded conservation. The process that produced fish and game laws, wardens and wildlife refuges was complex and often involved conflict, but synergy and cooperation ultimately produced one of the most extensive conservation systems on the East Coast. Author James O. Luken presents this fascinating story.

Protecting Sanibel and Captiva Islands

9781467140676

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

The vibrant Sanibel and Captiva islands are ecological marvels compared to Florida's many overbuilt barrier islands. Development began with the construction of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 1884, when only the lighthouse keeper and assistant and their families lived on the island. Noted conservationist Jay N. "Ding" Darling led the charge in preserving the islands' wildlife and natural beauty from the greed of real estate speculators and land developers in the 1930s. Former presidents like Harry Truman and cabinet-level executives worked alongside Sanibel and Captiva residents, setting up preserves and wildlife refuges to guard the integrity of the islands' unique natural blessings, abundant wildlife and aquatic stores. Charles LeBuff and Betty Anholt review the evolution of the islands' conservation ethic and how it perseveres even today.

The Conestoga River

9781467147569

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

The Conestoga River meanders for sixty miles through the fertile farmlands of Lancaster County. From early Native American inhabitants to the European settlers who made the Conestoga Valley their home, the river has provided sustenance and transportation for generations. Victorian-era resorts and hotels were built along the river, providing new recreational activities as steam power drove innovative forms of transportation. As the region developed and the population grew, the river paid a heavy price in increased pollution from sewage runoff and industry. Conservation efforts toward the end of the twentieth century through the present day have restored the river's beauty and recreational reputation. Join author and photographer Donald Kautz as he takes a journey on the historic waters of the Conestoga River.

Loons of New Hampshire

9781467155434

$29.99

Noted for its stunning plumage and haunting cries, the common loon is an iconic symbol of nature in the Granite State. Once a familiar site on local ponds and lakes, by the early twentieth century their numbers had dwindled due to human activity. By the 1970s less than two hundred remained. It was only with the formation of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1975 by pioneer conservationist Rawson Wood that the plight of loons in New Hampshire changed for the better. Author Glenn Knoblock, in collaboration with leading experts from the organization, reveals the sometimes-mysterious nature of this beloved bird, its presence throughout the state's history, the threats it faces today and the extensive efforts to recover the population. The Loon Preservation Committee is the only organization in New Hampshire working directly on their behalf. A portion of the proceeds of the sales of this book will go directly to the organization to fund ongoing conservation efforts.

Environmental Justice in New Mexico

9781467141338

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

In New Mexico and across America, communities of color bear the brunt of contamination from generations of expansion, mining, nuclear testing and illegal dumping. The nation's largest uranium waste spill occurred in 1979 at Church Rock, and radioactivity in the Rio Puerco remains at dangerous levels. The National Trust for Historic Preservation listed Mount Taylor as one of the ten most endangered historic sites in America. After decades of sickness from Rio Grande river water, the first female governor of a Pueblo Nation, Verna Olgin Teller, led tribal members to a Supreme Court victory over Albuquerque. Valerie Rangel presents stories of strife and struggle in the war to protect the integrity of natural systems, rights to religious freedom and the continuation of traditional customs.

River of Cliffs

9781625858849

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Linville Gorge is one of the few examples of old-growth forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains and draws thousands of visitors every year.

The Gorge was approved by Congress in 1964. "The Grand Canyon of the East" was named for William Linville, a member of a party of long hunters in 1766 who fell victim to a Shawnee attack. The difficult terrain made early settlements nearly impossible and logging unprofitable. Unique rock formations, from Table Rock to the Chimneys, and miles of trails attract thousands of climbers, hikers and adventure seekers each year. In this revised edition, author Christopher Blake draws on American colonial reports, travel writings, diaries, fiction and numerous archival records to weave a narrative fabric of an American treasure.

An Ocklawaha River Odyssey

9781467139632

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Photojournalists Bob and Liz Randall spent two years exploring Floridaâ€™s ancient and enchanting Ocklawaha River. Their journey provides an inside look at the rich recreational resources of the river, its wildlife and the people, past and present, who contributed to its history and welfare. Along the way, they met artists, environmentalists, captains, law enforcement officials, conservationists, filmmakers, historians and local descendants whose lives are inextricably intertwined with the prehistoric river. From its subterranean and aquatic past to the Seminole Indian Wars, the steamboat era and political struggles, many voices are integral to the riverâ€™s survival and to one of the longest environmental conflicts in Florida history.

Black Elk Peak

9781625858702

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

The history of Black Elk Peak--previously known as Hinhan Kaga and, more recently, as Harney Peak--remained segmented and scattered throughout the shadows of antiquity, until now. The natural landmark's namesake, Black Elk, experienced his great vision here, solidifying his status as a Sioux holy man. Obstructed by the insurmountable granite, General Custer and his horse nearly summited during the 1874 expedition. On that granite, sculptor Gutzon Borglum made the decision to carve a grand monument into the face of nearby Mount Rushmore. Prior to serving as the first Pine Ridge Reservation Indian agent and then mayor of Rapid City, Valentine McGillycuddy documented his ascent to the peak in 1875, where his ashes would come to rest. Author Bradley Saum chronicles the unique and untold stories that are intrinsically linked to the highest point in the Black Hills.

Fly Fishing New Hampshire's Secret Waters

9781467141680

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

New Hampshire's hard and rugged exterior protects one of America's richest native brook trout fisheries. These abundant waters are as varied as the landscape, from Mount Washington to peaceful meadows. The anticipation of the largest mayfly hatch contrasts with the quiet, deep waters of holding pools, and anglers are rewarded when they learn how to read the rivers and streams. Remote areas such as the Perry Ponds may require an entire day, while more accessible waters such as Mink Brook still provide excitement. With more than fifty years of experience, Steve Angers reveals some of his favorite spots and details what it takes to be successful when fishing in the Granite State.

True Tales of California Coastside State Parks

9781467153034

$23.99 $17.99 Save 25%

The beautiful landscapes of central California's Coastside state parks were once home to forgotten pioneers and unique industries. The tumultuous personal life of Robert Mills didn't hinder his commitment to his dairy business in Half Moon Bay, now the Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. And the Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, named after a shipwreck, remains a beacon of architectural beauty more than a century later. From hideaways for freedom fighters rebelling against the Spanish to the site of several booming lumber operations, Coastside parks have long been an integral part of California's history. Join author JoAnn Semones as she explores the trailblazers and innovators behind these stunning parks.

Wild Catalina Island:

9781609496630

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

A year-round escape for one million annual tourists, Catalina Island is gaining popularity as a world-class eco-destination. Eighty-eight percent of the island is under the watch of the Catalina Island Conservancy, which preserves, manages and restores the island's unique wild lands. Bison, foxes and bald eagles are its best-known inhabitants, but Catalina is home to more than sixty other animal and plant species that exist nowhere else on earth. And they are all within the boundaries of one of the world's most populous regions: Los Angeles County. Biologists Frank Hein and Carlos de la Rosa present a highly enjoyable tour through the fascinating origins, mysterious quirks and ecological victories of one of the West Coast's most remarkable places.

River of Spirits

9781625858603

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Originating high in New Mexico's mysterious Black Range and flowing to the Rio Grande amid contorted, ghost-like sycamores, Las Animas Creek remains one of the least accessible landscapes in the nation. The watershed is best known as the site of Apache chief Victorio's last major battle with the U.S. Cavalry before his retreat and ultimate defeat by the Mexican army. Despite its geographic isolation, the watershed remains closely linked with the history of nearby Kingston, Hillsboro and Caballo. Once home to New Mexico's last grizzly, Las Animas sustains a diverse range of native plants and wild animals, including bison, prairie dogs and mountain lions, as well as a host of endangered species. Aldo Leopold Wilderness and Ted Turner's Ladder Ranch ensure it remains Rio de las Animas, the "River of Spirits." Wildlife research biologist Harley G. Shaw compiles a human and natural history of this remote ecosystem.

Tilden Regional Park

9781467142144

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A jewel in the hills above Berkeley, Tilden Park is one of the premier recreational centers for the San Francisco Bay Area. Spread across more than two thousand acres, the property's thirty-nine miles of trails, two lakes and nature area offer an escape from urban life. Entertaining amenities include a golf course, a carousel and a miniature steam train. The rich history of this special place features native tribes, eucalyptus growers and secret military operations. Author Richard Langs presents the stories and the people behind the development and preservation of one of the oldest and most beloved regional parks.

Three Sisters Wilderness

9781467146654

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

The magnificent Three Sisters Wilderness, straddling the Cascade mountain range, beckons adventurers from around the world. One of the original fifty-four of the more than eight hundred such areas designated by Congress, it is Oregon's second-largest most visited and accessible wilderness. Championed by citizens of Bend, Eugene and beyond, its preservation under the Wilderness Act of 1964 was a community-wide effort to keep the dramatic vistas and diverse ecosystems available for all to enjoy. Join author Les Joslin as he explores the origins of the wilderness concept, the natural and cultural history of the Three Sisters country and the stewardship that preserves what is termed "an enduring resource of wilderness."

Nantahala National Forest

9781467136372

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Author and naturalist Marci Spencer reveals the history and splendor of the Nantahala National Forest.

The 500,000-acre Nantahala National Forest dominates the rugged southwestern corner of North Carolina. Rivers such as the Cheoah, Cullasaja, and Tuckasegee carve deep gorges, making the region one of the wettest in the nation. The Whitewater River tumbles over the highest waterfall in the eastern United States. Power companies dammed local rivers, creating some of North Carolina's most scenic recreational mountain lakes. The high peaks, secluded coves and forested woodlands of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Panthertown Valley and Buck Creek Serpentine Pine Barrens and other areas hold cultural and natural history secrets.

Fly Fishing and Conservation in Vermont

9781467141321

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

Vermont is an angler's paradise, but few pause to consider the past and future impact that conservation has had on trout fishing. Writer, angler and conservationist Tim Traver combines the latest fisheries science with well-seasoned opinions on the storied past, evolving present and hopeful future of this worthy pursuit. Become part of a long-running stewardship and restoration story with a history of success and a challenging future. This is fishing journalism at its best, with stories and resources that are sure to whet your appetite for exploring the rivers, streams and lakes in the most rural corners of the state. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book supports the work of the White River Partnership and Vermont River Conservancy.

Montana Peaks, Streams and Prairie:

9781467117555

$24.99 $18.74 Save 25%

From the peaks of the Continental Divide to the expanse of its eastern prairie, Montana contains some of America's richest wildlife habitat. Wilderness guide and author Don Thomas offers a series of personal ecological reflections on subjects as grand as the grizzly, as controversial as the wolf and as obscure as the upland plover. From native lore and the observations of Lewis and Clark to the present day, Thomas traces the history of human attitudes toward the region's wildlife. The result is both a guide and a testament to the value of western wildlife and ecosystems.

The Nantahala River

9781467141536

$23.99 $17.99 Save 25%

Most everyone who comes to western North Carolina has heard of the Nantahala, but few know its history. Long before it was a mecca for rafters and thrill seekers, it was traveled by naturalists and explorers from William Bartram to John C. Frémont. After the Cherokees were driven out, settlers arrived and began exporting the wealth of the mountains in the form of timber, talc and minerals. Tourists arrived on the Western Turnpike soon after, and the railroad brought more around 1890. The federal government began purchasing land for the new Nantahala National Forest, and the need for aluminum to fight World War II precipitated the construction of Fontana Lake and Nantahala Lake. Local author Lance Holland has crafted an enlightening and entertaining narrative history of this unique region.

The ACE Basin: A Lowcountry Legacy

9781626197763

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

In 1988, public and private agencies began an unprecedented conservation effort for 350,000 acres of wildlife habitat. ACE Basin is an undeveloped region where the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers create a natural wonder inhabited by an incredible array of plants and animals. The area is a diverse and unique combination of habitat--pine and hardwood uplands, forested wetlands, brackish and saltwater tidal marshes, barrier islands and beaches. More than 250 species of resident and migratory birds soar over the wetlands at various times. The basin offers shelter as well to endangered and threatened species, such as the woodstork, osprey, loggerhead sea turtle and shortnose sturgeon. Author and experienced nature writer Pete Laurie dives into the flora and fauna of a unique Palmetto State treasure.

Nemasket River Herring:

9781626196629

$21.99 $16.49 Save 25%

Every spring, the Nemasket River welcomes thousands of migratory river herring that thrash and leap as they fight their way upstream from Mount Hope Bay. Of all non-domesticated animals, the river herring--or alewife--has arguably had the greatest impact on the towns along the river in southeastern Massachusetts. The area was called Nemasket," or "place of fish," by Native Americans, and its earliest English colonists were dependent on river herring for their very survival. They provided a livelihood for generations of families in Middleborough and Lakeville, shaping their culture and the course of the region's development. Today, herring fishing is banned, and the community is working toward protecting and preserving the river so the herring have a place to return each year. Join historian Michael J. Maddigan as he explores the big story of the small fish that shaped life along the Nemasket River."