Plains and grasslands Books

Book SynopsisTrade Review"A complete toolkit for the gardener looking to create a prairie-inspired home landscape." --Horticulture "A wonderful book for the gardener interested in natural garden design, native plants, plant communities, ecoregions, plant sociability, and more." --The Real Dirt, Garden Club of America "Gives gardeners the tools they need to confidently 'prairie up' their landscape, whether its a garden bed or an entire yard. " --My Northern GardenTable of ContentsChapter 1. Bringing the Prairie Home Chapter 2. Learning about Native Plants and Plant Communities Chapter 3. Planning, Installing, and Managing the Garden Chapter 4. Designing the Garden Chapter 5. Resources A Candid Q&A Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisPummeled by a century of drought, depopulation, and soil erosion, America's Great Plains are in dire straits. Frank and Deborah Popper have a solution: create a Buffalo common by returning 139,000 acres in ten states to prairie and reintroducing the buffalo that once roamed there.Trade Review"An admirably crafted book, as poignant and entertaining as it is informative." - Seattle Times "Where the Buffalo Roam is very bright, active, effective journalism....An extremely savvy overlook of the dilemmas of the Great Plains." - Wallace Stegner

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Morrissey clearly conveys the benefits that a new materialist perspective can give to his audience. Perhaps Morrissey's book will encourage further collaboration between theoretical philosophy and history. With this refreshing environment-history-philosophy hybrid approach, readers can reflect on how much autonomy human communities have had, or have not had, throughout history when actors like bison, climate, plants, and other non-human entities were in play." * World History Encyclopedia *"A compelling book...People of the Ecotone shines as an example of how focusing on “the place where they lived” enables new histories about Indigenous peoples before, during, and after colonial encounters. It is a must read for historians of the colonial Mississippi valley and definitely a should read for other environmental historians, early Americanists, and Indigenous studies scholars." * H-Environment *"Morrissey’s excellent book traces the deep history of the ecotone and asks profoundly interdisciplinary questions about the contingencies, choices, and interactions that shaped Indigenous worlds of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries." * William and Mary Quarterly *"Morrissey reveals the intersection of ecological forces that shaped an icredible, dynamic interplay of people and tall grass prairie and forest ecosystems in the Indigenous borderlands of the Midwest. Morrissey focuses his well-crafted narrative on the ecological relationships that shaped the lives of the Illini, Miami, Meskwaki peoples." -- Western History Association Hal K. Rothman Book Prize committee"People of the Ecotone is a captivating analysis of the ways in which the peculiar environmental characteristics of the Illinois River Valley and the larger prairie peninsula redefined Native American societies after the fall of Cahokia…I highly recommend this book for those interested in the complexities of Midwestern colonial and Native American histories." -- Stephen Warren, University of Iowa * Western Historical Quarterly *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Morrissey clearly conveys the benefits that a new materialist perspective can give to his audience. Perhaps Morrissey's book will encourage further collaboration between theoretical philosophy and history. With this refreshing environment-history-philosophy hybrid approach, readers can reflect on how much autonomy human communities have had, or have not had, throughout history when actors like bison, climate, plants, and other non-human entities were in play." * World History Encyclopedia *"A compelling book...People of the Ecotone shines as an example of how focusing on “the place where they lived” enables new histories about Indigenous peoples before, during, and after colonial encounters. It is a must read for historians of the colonial Mississippi valley and definitely a should read for other environmental historians, early Americanists, and Indigenous studies scholars." * H-Environment *"Morrissey’s excellent book traces the deep history of the ecotone and asks profoundly interdisciplinary questions about the contingencies, choices, and interactions that shaped Indigenous worlds of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries." * William and Mary Quarterly *"Morrissey reveals the intersection of ecological forces that shaped an icredible, dynamic interplay of people and tall grass prairie and forest ecosystems in the Indigenous borderlands of the Midwest. Morrissey focuses his well-crafted narrative on the ecological relationships that shaped the lives of the Illini, Miami, Meskwaki peoples." -- Western History Association Hal K. Rothman Book Prize committee"People of the Ecotone is a captivating analysis of the ways in which the peculiar environmental characteristics of the Illinois River Valley and the larger prairie peninsula redefined Native American societies after the fall of Cahokia…I highly recommend this book for those interested in the complexities of Midwestern colonial and Native American histories." -- Stephen Warren, University of Iowa * Western Historical Quarterly *

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Book SynopsisExamines the perspectives of artists, writers, native peoples and ecologists who recognized the beauty of the prairie. The text considers the connections between aesthetics and economics, landscape and culture, politics and ethics, as illustrated by the prairie in American civilization.

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Book SynopsisBritish Plant Communities is the first systematic and comprehensive account of the vegetation types of this country. It breaks new ground in wedding the phytosociological classification of plant communities with an understanding of how vegetation works.Trade Review'This series represents an outstanding achievement of descriptive plant ecology.' M. J. Crawley, Trends in Ecology and Evolution' … an excellent series of reference volumes.' Mineral PlanningTable of ContentsList of figures; Preface and acknowledgements; Preamble; MESOTROPHIC GRASSLANDS: Introduction to mesotrophic grasslands; Key to mesotrophic grasslands; Community descriptions; CALCICOLOUS GRASSLANDS: Introduction to calcicolous grasslands; Key to calcicolous grasslands; Community descriptions; CALCIFUGOUS GRASSLANDS AND MONTANE COMMUNITIES: Introduction to calcifugous grasslands and montane communities; Key to calcifugous grasslands and montane communities; Community descriptions; Index of synonyms; Index of species; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisBritish Plant Communities is the first systematic and comprehensive account of the vegetation types of this country. It breaks new ground in wedding the phytosociological classification of plant communities with an understanding of how vegetation works.Trade Review'This series represents an outstanding achievement of descriptive plant ecology.' M. J. Crawley, Trends in Ecology and Evolution'… an excellent series of reference volumes.' Mineral PlanningTable of ContentsList of figures; Preface and acknowledgements; Part I. Preamble: 1. General introduction; Part II. Mires: 2. Introduction to mires; 3. Key to mires; 4. Community descriptions; Part III. Heaths: 5. Introduction to heaths; 6. Key to heaths; 7. Community descriptions; Index of synonyms to mires and heaths; Index of species in mires and heaths; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Wild Idea is a lyrical tribute to the idea of buffalo back on the plains, the rewards and challenges of putting them there. But it is so much more. It’s about all the life on the prairie, on the hardscrabble ranches and in the small towns. With this book, Dan secures his place as our modern prairie muse.”—Tom Brokaw, NBC journalist and author“Dan O’Brien’s book strikes me as a gentle but badly needed confrontation. . . . Figuring out how to realign the way we live with the health of the ecological systems that support us is the single most important challenge of the twenty-first century, and that makes O’Brien’s book an essential meditation.”—Edward Norton, actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity“Making strong, lasting connections between the rugged land and the strong people is a staple of life on the Great Plains. Dan O’Brien’s gift is helping people understand this connection and the basic and difficult truth that sustainable living is not simple; it is as matted and dense as the thick fur that defines the buffalo’s very nature.”—Tom Daschle, former U.S. senator from South Dakota and former U.S. Senate majority leader"A deeply humane book that looks at ranching as a sustainable enterprise, a way of life more than an economic engine. . . . There may be plenty of disappointments out on the Plains, but this book is not one of them."—Kirkus"[Wild Idea] is a sweet little sagebrush soap opera of extended family joys and travails."—Jim Sterba, Wall Street Journal"[Wild Idea: Buffalo and Family in a Difficult Land is] a book that elegantly explores the tension between hope and futility in one man’s effort to kindle restoration on the Great Plains."—Carson Vaughan, High Country NewsTable of ContentsNo TOC

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Book SynopsisTells the complex biological and environmental story of the western Great Plains under the black-tailed prairie dog's reign - and then under a brief but devastating century of human dominion. This book recounts how this terrain has in turn been transformed over the past century by the destruction of prairie dogs and their grassland habitats.Trade Review“Johnsgard is Foundation Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, highly respected in his field, and a formidable voice in what he hopes will be a larger discussion about land use and about the value of preserving ecosystems—including species that have long been regarded as pests. Agree or disagree with his conclusions, this informative and provocative book should be part of that discussion.”—Nebraska Life“Johnsgard presents a disturbing look at the serious ecological impacts from the destruction of prairie dogs and their grassland habitats.”—Wildlife Activist“A seasoned preservationist as well as a writer who does his own photographic and artistic illustration work, Johnsgard provides a book that should be on the shelf of every person interested in and concerned about the past history and future of life on the great plains.”—Glenn M. Busset, Manhattan Mercury"Given the controversy surrounding management of prairie dogs, it is surprising that such a volume has not been published previously. Leave it to that prolific guru of the great Plains, Paul Johnsgard, to pen a book directed at filling that void at such a crucial juncture. . . . Johnsgard's lucid style has the ability to bring this fascinating, important, and timely story to thousands of readers."—Richard P. Reading, Great Plains Research“Many scientists and historians have written about the natural history of the Great Plains, but few so compellingly as Paul Johnsgard.”—Annals of Iowa"Anyone with an interest in the ecology and history of the shortgrass prairie will become immersed in the pages of this engaging book."—Carolyn E. Grygiel, North Dakota HistoryTable of ContentsList of MapsList of IllustrationsList of TablesPreface1. The Western Shortgrass Prairie: A Brief History2. A Buffalo Nation: Its Death and Rebirth3. Prairie Dogs and the American West: Little Towns on the Prairie4. Ferrets, Badgers, Bobcats, and Coyotes: Coping with Dangerous Neighbors5. Free-loaders and Hangers-on: The Rewards and Dangers of City Life6. Other High Plains Wildlife: Born on the American Steppes7. The High Plains Raptors: Death Rides on Silent Wings8. The Varmint and Predator Wars: It’s Finally Almost Quiet on the Western Front9. Taming the Great American Desert: Hardscrabble Times at the Fringes of Nowhere10. The USFS, BLM, and BIA: How the West was Lost11. The Great Plains Grassland Ecosystem: Can It Be Saved?Appendix 1: A Guide to National Grasslands, Reservations, and Nature Preserves on the High PlainsAppendix 2: Scientific Names of Animals in the TextReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBoth timeless and timely, The Tallgrass Prairie is an excellent gateway into the field of tallgrass prairie conservation, restoration, and appreciation. It’s a 'call to arms' to value and protect prairie ecosystems."" - Emily Yates, Chicago Botanic Garden""When I started as a volunteer, I had little experience doing praire restoration. I had many questions about restoring prairie, including basic concepts about prairie. Cindy Crosby has put together the prairie primer I wish I had existed then. All volunteers should have this book, whether new or experienced!"" - John Heneghan, Illinois prairie steward

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Book SynopsisFrom Abronia to Zinnia, Jewels of the Plains describes the natural history and garden merits of more than five hundred Great Plains wildflowers. Considered the authoritative guide by native plant enthusiasts and horticulturists, it captures the unique beauty, resilience, and variety of wildflowers in the Great Plains.Claude A. Barr did not set ouTrade Review"Barr’s descriptive writing is as entertaining as it is educational."—Omaha World-Herald"Groundbreaking work."—South Dakota Public Radio"A delight to read."—Northern Gardener"Barr does a fantastic job of describing the plants and writes about them in a way that is not often seen."—Botanical Society of America"I highly recommend this book to gardeners and lovers of wildflowers everywhere."—Great Plains ResearchTable of ContentsContentsIntroduction to the Revised EditionJames H. LocklearJewels of the PlainsForeword to the First EditionH. Lincoln FosterPreface to the First EditionThe Great PlainsThe Great Plains Native PlantsThe Great Plains Plants in the Wild and in the GardenThe Botanical Contributions of Claude A. BarrRonald R. WeedonNotes to the Revised EditionGlossaryBibliographyGeneral IndexScientific Index

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Book SynopsisThe second volume of a major new series of books on British natural history.Meadows provide one of the most wide-ranging and eloquent treatments of this most quintessential British habitat. Yet the flower-rich hay meadows that have inspired writers and artists for hundreds of years have almost disappeared from our countryside. In this exceptional work, George Peterken, one of our most respected ecologists, brings together years of research and discovery from his travels across Britain and Europe, as well as an understanding borne out of caring for his own meadows, to produce a book that will put this often misunderstood habitat back in the public's eye. Filled with beautiful images of meadows and their denizens, this is a book everyone with an interest in this iconic habitat will want to own.Trade Review...an exceptional book, Meadows ... is a proper, scientific treatise by one of Britain’s leading ecologists, but it is so well written and so spectacularly-illustrated ... that it is accessible to the general reader. -- Michael McCarthy * The Independent *Part of the excellent British Wildlife Collection ... George Peterken unpicks all elements of meadows. -- Katy Merrington, cultural gardener * Gardens Illustrated *Table of ContentsForeword 1 Introducing meadows 2 The meadow flora 3 Classification and the variety of meadows 4 Origins 5 Making hay the traditional way 6 The geography of traditional meadows 7 Improving meadows 8 Diversity 9 Change in the meadows 10 European meadows 11 Translocating meadows to the colonies 12 Birds, bees, butterflies and other fauna 13 Meadows in the mind 14 Loss and survival 15 Looking forward

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Book Synopsis2020 Nebraska Book Award The Great Plains is a well-known and well-studied hybrid zone for many animals, most notably birds. In Great Plains BirdsLarkinPowell exploresthe history, geography, and geology of the plains and the birds thatinhabitit.From the sandhill crane to ducks and small shorebirds, he explains migration patterns and showshow human settlementshaveaffectedthe movements of birds. Powelluses historical maps and imagesto show how wetlands have disappeared, how grasslands have been uprooted, how rivers have been modified by dams, and how the distribution of forestshas changed, all the while illustrating whygrassland birds are the most threatened group of birds in North America. Powell also discussesconservation attempts and how sporting organizations have raised money to create wetland and grassland habitats for both game and nongame species.Great Plains Birds tells the story of the birds of the plains, discussing where Trade Review"This informative book will be both a practical resource and enjoyable reading for nature lovers."—Publishers Weekly"As a lifelong Nebraskan, biologist, and birder for over twenty years, I enjoyed how this book connected the history of the Great Plains at a millennium timescale with current bird migration patterns across the nation, stories handed down over the last several generations, and delightful bird behaviors into a fascinating narrative. After reading this book, I have a renewed sense of pride in and understanding of the Great Plains and the birds that call this place home."—Kristal Stoner, Nebraska History“I started reading the UNL professor’s charming and edifying exposition on the birds that surround us on the plains at the tail end of last year and couldn’t put it down. So many fascinating bird facts tucked inside. . . . So many well-told tales. . . . The professor’s book is part of an eight-book Discover the Great Plains series published by the University of Nebraska Press. May they all be as entertaining.”—Cindy Lange-Kubick, Lincoln Journal Star “From modern-day prairie birds (and where to see them), to geography, history, and conservation, this book is an excellent introduction for anyone wanting to learn more about the vast heart of America, the Great Plains. Wonders abound, if only we look.”—Joel Sartore, Photo Ark founder and National Geographic photographer and fellow “Powell’s personal love for the Great Plains and its birds is contagious. This book plays a critically important role in raising awareness, building appreciation, and calling for conservation action for North America’s most threatened birds.”—Martha Kauffman, managing director of the World Wildlife Fund, Northern Great Plains Programs “My high expectations were met when I read Powell’s book Great Plains Birds, but they were exceeded when I found myself laughing and living vicariously through his personal narrative. This book is honest and important and presents a clear-eyed view of bird conservation today in our heartland.”—Michael Forsberg, photographer and author of Great Plains: America’s Lingering Wild “With this book, you are accompanied by your personal storytelling guide while discovering this underappreciated region of North America. Wisdom on geology, natural history emphasizing birds, wildlife management, and history is offered in an engaging narrative.”—Gary C. White, professor emeritus of fish, wildlife, and conservation biology at Colorado State University “This book entices and prepares readers to make their own personal connection to the heart of North America through its most inspiring occupants, Great Plains birds.”—Sarah Sortum, rancher and ecotourism provider Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction 1. The Birds: Symbols of the Great Plains 2. The Place: Homes, Habitats, and Aerial Highways 3. The Problems: Humans and Birds on the Plains 4. The Hope: Conservation Strategies 5. The Experience: Visiting the Birds of the Great Plains Suggested Resources Index

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Book SynopsisLegumes of the Great Plains: An Illustrated Guide is an invaluable tool for the identification of more than 114 species of legumes in the Great Plains. In addition to a distribution map, botanical illustration, and an in-depth botanical description, this comprehensive guide describes the habitat, uses and values, pollinators, forage value for livestock and wildlife, toxic properties, and ethnobotany of each species. The botanical synonyms and other common namesincluding those used by the Great Plains Indiansare also provided. This volume includes more than one hundred similar species with a description of how each differs from the main species. This reference book is indispensable to anyone interested in grassland and prairie conservation and management, the Great Plains, botany, or modern taxonomy. Trade Review"Stubbendieck and Milby (both, Univ. of Nebraska) have produced a high quality, comprehensive key for Great Plains legumes. The volume reviews the general climate, geology, soils, prairie habitat, abundance, and value of legumes to wildlife, Native Americans, and livestock, providing descriptions and line drawings of general legume characteristics. . . . The volume also includes a brief glossary, a list of abbreviations for nomenclatural authorities, and selected references. Detailed and comprehensive, this volume is sure to satisfy specialists in legumes, botanical taxonomy, or Great Plains grasslands."—S. T. Meiers, ChoiceTable of ContentsIntroduction Climate Geology Soils PrairiesAbundance and Value of LegumesKeysTaxonomyIllustrationsMapsDescriptions of Individual SpeciesCharacteristics of LegumesTaxonomy of Legumes I. CAESALPINIACEAE,Cercis canadensis,Chamaecrista fasciculata,Gleditsia triacanthos,Gymnocladus dioicus,Hoffmannseggia glauca,Senna marilandica, II. FABACEAE Amorpha canescens,fruticosa,nana,Amphicarpaea bracteata,Apios americana,Astragalus agrestis,bisulcatus,canadensis,ceramicus,cicer,crassicarpus,drummondii,flexuosus,gracilis,kentrophyta,laxmannii,lotiflorus,missouriensis,mollissimus,multiflorus,nuttallianus,pectinatus,plattensis,racemosus,spatulatus,Baptisia alba,australis,bracteata,Caragana arborescens,Crotalaria sagittalis,Dalea aurea,candida,cylindriceps,enneandra,formosa,lanata,leporina,multiflora,purpurea, villosa,Desmodium canadense,canescens,glutinosum,illinoense,nudiflorum,paniculatum,sessilifolium,Glycyrrhiza lepidota,Kummerowia stipulaceae,striata,Lathyrus decaphyllus,latifolius,venosus,Lespedeza capitata,cuneata,violacea,virginica,Lotus corniculatus,purshianus,Lupinus argenteus,caudatus,plattensis,pusillus,subcarnosus,Medicago lupulina,polymorpha,sativa,Melilotusofficinalis,Onobrychis viciifolia,Orophaca caespitosa,hyalina,sericea,Oxytropis campestris,lambertii,multiceps,sericea,Pediomelum argophyllum,cuspidatum,digitatum,esculentum,Pisum sativum,Psoralidium lanceolatum,tenuiflorum,Pueraria montana,Robinia pseudoacacia,Securigera varia,Sophora nuttalliana,Strophostyles helvola, leiosperma,Stylosanthes biflora,Tephrosia virginiana,Thermopsis rhombifolia,Trifolium campestre, fragiferum, hybridum, incarnatum, pratense, reflexum, repens,Vicia americana,sativa, villosa, III. MIMOSACEAE Acacia berlandieri, greggii,Desmanthus illinoensis,Mimosa quadrivalvis,Neptunia lutea,Prosopis glandulosa, Glossary Abbreviations for Nomenclature Authorities Selected References Index

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Book SynopsisIn Wildlife of Nebraska: A Natural History, Paul A. Johnsgard surveys the variety and biology of more than six hundred Nebraska species. Narrative accounts describe the ecology and biology of the state's birds, its mammals, and its reptiles and amphibians, summarizing the abundance, distributions, and habitats of this wildlife. To provide an introduction to the state's major ecosystems, climate, and topography, Johnsgard examines major public-access natural areas, including national monuments, wildlife refuges and grasslands, state parks and wildlife management areas, and nature preserves. Including more than thirty-five line drawings by the author along with physiographic, ecological, and historical maps, Wildlife of Nebraska is an essential guide to the wildlife of the Cornhusker State. Trade Review“Celebrates the gifts of a half century spent roaming Nebraska’s back roads, trails, and sometimes-forgotten places.”—Nebraska Magazine“Many scientists and historians have written about the natural history of the Great Plains, but few so compellingly as Paul Johnsgard.”—Annals of Iowa“A classic of nature writing that combines the keen observance of the scientist with the sensitivity of the naturalist.”—Outdoor Press“Nature writing at its best.”—Nancy Plain, Roundup MagazineTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgments Abbreviations and Symbols Chapter 1. Introduction to Nebraska and Its Biological Environment The Geography and Biogeography of Nebraska Nebraska as a Biological Transition and Genetic Suture Zone Dispersal Corridors and Historic Biogeographic Changes Global Warming and Changing Climates Chapter 2. Mammals Dawn of the Age of Mammals, 150–65 Million Years Ago Nebraska’s Mammals, 58–24 Million Years Ago Nebraska’s Mammals, 23–22 Million Years Ago Nebraska’s Mammals, 12–10 Million Years Ago Selected Species Profiles Family Didelphidae (Opossums) Virginia Opossum. Didelphis virginiana Family Leporidae (Hares and Rabbits) White-tailed Jackrabbit. Lepus townsendii Black-tailed Jackrabbit. Lepus californicus Eastern Cottontail. Sylvilagus floridanus Desert Cottontail. Sylvilagus audubonii Family Soricidae (Shrews) Cinereus (Masked) Shrew. Sorex cinereus Family Vespertilionidae (Vesper Bats) Townsend’s Big-eared Bat. Corynorhinus townsendii Big Brown Bat. Eptesicus fuscus Silver-haired Bat. Lasionycteris noctivagans Eastern Red Bat. Lasiurus borealis Hoary Bat. Lasiurus cinereus Little Brown Myotis. Myotis lucifugus Family Felidae (Cats) Canada Lynx. Lynx canadensis Bobcat. Lynx rufus Cougar (Puma, Mountain Lion). Puma concolor Family Canidae (Dogs) Coyote. Canis latrans Gray Fox. Urocyon cinereoargenteus Red Fox. Vulpes vulpes Swift Fox. Vulpes velox Family Mustelidae (Weasels) American Badger. Taxidea taxus American Mink. Neovison vison Northern River Otter. Lontra canadensis Long-tailed Weasel. Mustela frenata Black-footed Ferret. Mustela nigripes Family Mephitidae (Skunks) Striped Skunk. Mephitis Eastern Spotted Skunk. Spilogale putorius Family Procyonidae (Raccoons) Northern Raccoon. Procyon lotor Family Cervidae (Deer) Elk. Cervus canadensis White-tailed Deer. Odocoileus virginianus Mule Deer. Odocoileus hemionus Family Antilocapridae (Pronghorns) Pronghorn. Antilocapra americana Family Bovidae (Bison, Sheep, and Goats) American Bison. Bison bison Bighorn (Mountain) Sheep. Ovis canadensis Family Sciuridae (Squirrels, Marmots, and Prairie Dogs) Black-tailed Prairie Dog. Cynomys ludovicianus Southern Flying Squirrel. Glaucomys volans Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel. Ictidomys tridecemlineatus Least Chipmunk. Tamias minimus Family Castoridae (Beavers) Beaver. Castor canadensis Family Heteromyidae (Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats) Ord’s Kangaroo Rat. Dipodomys ordii Olive-backed Pocket Mouse. Perognathus fasciatus Plains Pocket Mouse. Perognathus flavescens Family Dipodidae (Jumping Mice) Meadow Jumping Mouse. Zapus hudsonicus Family Cricetidae (New World Mice) Prairie Vole. Microtus ochrogaster Meadow Vole. Microtus pennsylvanicus Bushy-tailed Woodrat. Neotoma cinerea Eastern Woodrat. Neotoma floridana Muskrat. Ondatra zibethicus Northern Grasshopper Mouse. Onychomys leucogaster White-footed Deer Mouse. Peromyscus leucopus American Deer Mouse. Peromyscus maniculatus Western Harvest Mouse. Reithrodontomys megalotis Plains Harvest Mouse. Reithrodontomys montanus Family Erethizontidae (Porcupines) Porcupine. Erethizon dorsatum Chapter 3. Birds The Recent History of Nebraska’s Birds Declining and Extripated Species Introduced and Invading Species Overall Population Trends The Geography of Nebraska’s Bird Fauna Selected Species Profiles Class Aves (Birds) Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Swans) Snow Goose. Anser caerulescens Ross’s Goose. Anser rossii Cackling Goose. Branta hutchinsii Canada Goose. Branta canadensis Trumpeter Swan. Cygnus buccinator Wood Duck. Aix sponsa Blue-winged Teal. Spatula (Anas) discors Cinnamon Teal. Spatula cyanoptera Northern Shoveler. Spatula clypeata Gadwall. Mareca strepera American Wigeon. Mareca americana Mallard. Anas platyrhynchos Northern Pintail. Anas acuta Green-winged Teal. Anas crecca Canvasback. Aythya valisineria Redhead. Aythya americana Ring-necked Duck. Aythya collaris Lesser Scaup. Aythya affinis Bufflehead. Bucephala albeola Common Goldeneye. Bucephala clangula Common Merganser. Mergus merganser Ruddy Duck. Oxyura jamaicensis Family Odontophoridae (New World Quails) Northern Bobwhite. Colinus virginianus Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys) Ring-necked Pheasant. Phasianus colchicus Sharp-tailed Grouse. Tympanuchus phasianellus Greater Prairie-Chicken. Tympanuchus cupido Wild Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo Family Podicipedidae (Grebes) Eared Grebe. Podiceps nigricollis Clark’s Grebe. Aechmophorus clarkii Western Grebe. Aechmophorus occidentalis Family Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Eurasian Collared-Dove. Streptopelia decaocto Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos) Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Coccyzus americanus Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) Common Nighthawk. Chordeiles minor Common Poorwill. Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Family Apodidae (Swifts) White-throated Swift. Aeronautes saxatalis Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Archilochus colubris Family Rallidae (Rails and Coots) Common Gallinule. Gallinula galeata American Coot. Fulica americana Family Gruidae (Cranes) Sandhill Crane. Antigone canadensis Whooping Crane. Grus americana Family Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) Black-necked Stilt. Himantopus mexicanus American Avocet. Recurvirostra americana Family Charadriidae (Plovers) Killdeer. Charadrius vociferus Piping Plover. Charadrius melodus Mountain Plover. Charadrius montanus Snowy Plover. Charadrius nivosus Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Snipes, and Phalaropes) Upland Sandpiper. Bartramia longicauda Long-billed Curlew. Numenius americanus Baird’s Sandpiper. Calidris bairdii Least Sandpiper. Calidris minutilla Long-billed Dowitcher. Limnodromus scolopaceus Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia Lesser Yellowlegs. Tringa flavipes Greater Yellowlegs. Tringa melanoleuca Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Tryngites subruficollis Wilson’s Phalarope. Phalaropus tricolor Red-necked Phalarope. Phalaropus lobatus Family Laridae (Gulls and Terns) Least Tern. Sterna albifrons Black Tern. Chlidonias niger Forster’s Tern. Sterna forsteri Family Gaviidae (Loons) Common Loon. Gavia immer Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants) Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus Family Pelecanidae (Pelicans) American White Pelican. Pelecanus erythroryhnchos Family Ardeidae (Herons and Egrets) American Bittern. Botaurus lentiginosus Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias Snowy Egret. Egretta thula Family Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) White-faced Ibis. Plegadis chihi Family Cathartidae (New World Vultures) Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura Family Pandionidae (Ospreys) Osprey. Pandion haliaetus Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos Bald Eagle. Haliaeetus leucocephalus Northern Harrier. Circus hudsonicus Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiter striatus Cooper’s Hawk. Accipiter cooperii Northern Goshawk. Accipiter gentilis Swainson’s Hawk. Buteo swainsoni Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo jamaicensis Ferruginous Hawk. Buteo regalis Rough-legged Hawk. Buteo lagopus Family Strigidae (Typical Owls) Eastern Screech-Owl. Megascops asio Great Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus Burrowing Owl. Athene cunicularia Long-eared Owl. Asio otus Short-eared Owl. Asio flammeus Northern Saw-whet Owl. Aegolius acadicus Family Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) Belted Kingfisher. Megaceryle alcyon Family Picidae (Woodpeckers) Lewis’s Woodpecker. Melanerpes lewis Red-headed Woodpecker. Melanerpes erythrocephalus Downy Woodpecker. Dryobates pubescens Hairy Woodpecker. Dryobates villosus Northern Flicker. Colaptes auratus Family Falconidae (Falcons) American Kestrel. Falco sparverius Merlin. Falco columbarius Peregrine Falcon. Falco peregrinus Prairie Falcon. Falco mexicanus Order Passeriformes (Passerine Birds) Family Tyrannidae (New World Flycatchers) Western Wood-Pewee. Contopus sordidulus Eastern Wood-Pewee. Contopus virens Willow Flycatcher. Empidonax traillii Least Flycatcher. Empidonax minimus Cordilleran Flycatcher. Empidonax occidentalis Say’s Phoebe. Sayornis saya Western Kingbird. Tyrannus verticalis Eastern Kingbird. Tyrannus tyrannus Family Laniidae (Shrikes) Loggerhead Shrike. Lanius ludovicianus Family Vireonidae (Vireos) Warbling Vireo. Vireo gilvus Family Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) Pinyon Jay. Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Black-billed Magpie. Pica hudsonia American Crow. Corvus brachyrhynchos Family Alaudidae (Larks) Horned Lark. Eremophila alpestris Family Hirundinidae (Swallows) Bank Swallow. Riparia riparia Tree Swallow. Tachycineta bicolor Violet-green Swallow. Tachycineta thalassina Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx serripennis Barn Swallow. Hirundo rustica Cliff Swallow. Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Family Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice) Black-capped Chickadee. Poecile atricapillus Family Sittidae (Nuthatches) Red-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta canadensis White-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta carolinensis Pygmy Nuthatch. Sitta pygmaea Family Certhiidae (Treecreepers) Brown Creeper. Certhia americana Family Troglodytidae (Wrens) Rock Wren. Salpinctes obsoletus House Wren. Troglodytes aedon Family Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Polioptila caerulea Family Regulidae (Kinglets) Golden-crowned Kinglet. Regulus satrapa Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Regulus calendula Family Turdidae (Thrushes) Eastern Bluebird. Sialia sialis Mountain Bluebird. Sialia currucoides Townsend’s Solitaire. Myadestes townsendi Veery. Catharus fuscescens Swainson’s Thrush. Catharus ustulatus Hermit Thrush. Catharus guttatus American Robin. Turdus migratorius Family Mimidae (Thrashers, Catbirds, and Mockingbirds) Gray Catbird. Dumetella carolinensis Brown Thrasher. Toxostoma rufum Sage Thrasher. Oreoscoptes montanus Family Bombycillidae (Waxwings) Bohemian Waxwing. Bombycilla garrulus Cedar Waxwing. Bombycilla cedrorum Family Motacillidae (Pipits) American Pipit. Anthus rubescens Sprague’s Pipit. Anthus spragueii Family Fringillidae (Finches) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Leucosticte tephrocotis House Finch. Haemorhous mexicanus Red Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra Pine Siskin. Spinis pinus American Goldfinch. Spinis tristis Evening Grosbeak. Coccothraustes vespertinus Family Calcariidae (Longspurs and Snow Buntings) Chestnut-collared Longspur. Calcarius ornatus McCown’s Longspur. Rhynchophanes mccownii Family Passerellidae (New World Sparrows and Towhees) Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum Lark Sparrow. Chondestes grammacus Lark Bunting. Calamospiza melanocorys Chipping Sparrow. Spizella passerina Brewer’s Sparrow. Spizella breweri American Tree Sparrow. Spizelloides arborea Dark-eyed Junco. Junco hyemalis White-crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys White-throated Sparrow. Zonotrichia albicollis Vesper Sparrow. Pooecetes gramineus Henslow’s Sparrow. Centronyx henslowii Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia Swamp Sparrow. Melospiza georgiana Spotted Towhee. Pipilo maculatus Eastern Towhee. Pipilo erythropthalmus Family Icteriidae (Yellow-breasted Chat) Yellow-breasted Chat. Icteria virens Family Icteridae (Blackbirds, Orioles, and Meadowlarks) Yellow-headed Blackbird. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Bobolink. Dolichonyx oryzivorus Eastern Meadowlark. Sturnella magna Western Meadowlark. Sturnella neglecta Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galbula Bullock’s Oriole. Icterus bullockii Red-winged Blackbird. Agelaius phoeniceus Brown-headed Cowbird. Molothrus ater Brewer’s Blackbird. Euphagus cyanocephalus Common Grackle. Quiscalus quiscula Family Parulidae (New World Warblers) Orange-crowned Warbler. Oreothlypis celata Common Yellowthroat. Geothlypis trichas American Redstart. Setophaga ruticilla Yellow Warbler. Setophaga petechia Yellow-rumped Warbler. Setophaga coronata Wilson’s Warbler. Cardillina pusilla Family Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Tanagers, and Grosbeaks) Scarlet Tanager. Piranga olivacea Western Tanager. Piranga ludoviciana Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Pheucticus ludovicianus Black-headed Grosbeak. Pheucticus melanocephalus Lazuli Bunting. Passerina amoena Indigo Bunting. Passerina cyanea Dickcissel. Spiza americana Chapter 4. Reptiles and Amphibians An Introduction to Nebraska’s Reptiles and Amphibians Selected Species Profiles Amphibians (Salamanders, Toads, and Frogs) Order Caudata (Salamanders) Family Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders) Barred Tiger Salamander. Ambystoma malvortium Order Anura (Frogs and Toads) Family Pelabatidae (Spadefoots) Plains Spadefoot. Spea bombifrons Family Bufonidae (Toads) Woodhouse’s Toad. Anaxyrus (Bufo) woodhousei Family Ranidae (Typical Frogs) American Bullfrog. Lithobates (Rana) catesbiana Plains Leopard Frog. Lithobates (Rana) blairi Northern Leopard Frog. Lithobates (Rana) pipiens Family Hylidae (Chorus Frogs) Cope’s Gray Treefrog. Hyla chrysocelis Boreal Chorus Frog. Pseudacris maculata Reptiles (Turtles, Lizards, and Snakes) Order Chelonia (Turtles) Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles) Eastern Snapping Turtle. Chelydra serpentina Family Embydidae (Pond and Box Turtles) Western Painted Turtle. Chrysemys picta Ornate Box Turtle. Terrapene ornata Family Trionychidae (Softshell Turtles) Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle. Apalone mutica Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. Apalone spinifera Order Lacertilia (Lizards) Family Scincidae (Skinks) Many-lined Skink. Eumeces (Plestiodon) multivirgatus Northern Prairie Skink. Plestiodon septentrionalis Family Phrynosomatidae (Spiny, Earless, Tree, and Horned Lizards) Greater (Mountain) Short-horned Lizard. Phrynosoma hernandesi Prairie Lizard. Sceloporus (undulatus) consobrinus Common Sagebrush Lizard. Sceloporus graciosus Order Serpentes (Snakes) Family Colubridae (Harmless Egg-laying Snakes) Gophersnake (Bullsnake). Pituophis catenifer Family Natricidae (Live-bearing Snakes) Wandering (Western Terrestrial) Gartersnake. Thamnophis elegans Plains Gartersnake. Thamnophis radix Common Gartersnake. Thamnophis sirtalis Family Dipsadidae (Rear-fanged Snakes) Plains (Western) Hog-nosed Snake. Heterodon nasicus Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. Heterodon platyrhinos Family Viperidae (Pitvipers) Prairie (Western) Rattlesnake. Crotalus viridis Massasauga Rattlesnake. Sistrurus catenatus Chapter 5. Species Checklist and Status/Habitat Codes Data Sources and Abundance, Habitat, and Conservation Categories Mammals Birds Reptiles and Amphibians Amphibians Lizards Snakes Chapter 6. Some Natural Treasures of Nebraska References

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Book SynopsisIn Under Prairie Skies, C. Thomas Shay asks and answers the question, What role did plants play in the lives of early inhabitants of the northern Great Plains? Since humans arrived at the end of the Ice Age, plants played important roles as Native peoples learned which were valuable foods, which held medicinal value, and which were best for crafts. Incorporating Native voices, ethnobotanical studies, personal stories, and research techniques, Under Prairie Skies shows how, since the end of the Ice Age, plants have held a central place in the lives of Native peoples. Eventually some groups cultivated seed-bearing annuals and, later, fields of maize and other crops. Throughout history, their lives became linked with the land, both materially and spiritually. Trade Review“There should be a book like this one for each region of the United States—a ‘big picture’ guide to landscapes, original inhabitants, and plants that anchors school curricula, welcomes visitors to new places, and invites residents to think more deeply about where they live. It is a sweeping survey of northern Great Plains landscapes and an engaging retrospective on the lives of the people and plants found there, including that of the author.”—Jonathan Hancock, H-Environment"This is a loving memoir of a life lived studying the Northern Plains with all the paraphernalia necessary to allow readers to follow the author into the field."—L. L. Johnson, Choice"The history of the use of the plants of the prairies of the Northern Plains is written as a story for the general reader but it supplies the necessary scientific documentation, scientific nomenclature, and references and notes to satisfy more demanding scientific readers. It is recommended reading for those interested in prairies, their plants, and the Native peoples whose lives were dependent upon them."—Kenneth P. Vogel, Nebraska History"These close connections of Indigenous peoples to the land, their reverence and respect for natural resources, and their ability to utilize them sustainably are lessons we should all be mindful of as we continue to shape and depend upon this landscape we call home."—Steven L. Matzner, South Dakota History"To the uninitiated, the Northern Plains may appear flat, barren, treeless, and stark, echoing its nineteenth-century characterization as the Great American Desert. Yet through the eyes of anthropologist and ethnobotanist C. Thomas Shay, the plains come alive, pulsing with life and energy, blanketed with plant life that has supported human occupation for thousands of years. In a book that is part memoir, part travelogue, part botanical and archeological handbook, Shay casts an interpretive eye over the interactions of plants and peoples before the coming of Europeans."—Joseph Jastrzembski, Journal of Folklore Research Reviews“Under Prairie Skies is a beautiful love story, pure and simple. C. Thomas Shay writes with deep affection, profound knowledge, and obvious fascination about the plants, places, and Native peoples of the North American prairies.”—Nancy J. Turner, distinguished professor emerita in the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria“As engaging as a National Geographic documentary! Blending science and the humanities, Under Prairie Skies takes its place alongside such classics as Melvin Gilmore’s Prairie Smoke and Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass.”—Lance M. Foster, tribal historic preservation officer and vice chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska“C. Thomas Shay skillfully blends ecology, archaeology, botany, and traditional knowledge, revealing the entangled histories of northern plains peoples and environments. Focusing on the wild and domesticated plants they used, he tells a compelling story of human resourcefulness and resilience.”—William Green, former state archaeologist of Iowa and director emeritus of the Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College“The author’s personal vignettes add warmth, scientific insight, and sometimes drama. The volume is beautifully illustrated and fully but unobtrusively referenced. It invites us to visit, explore, and learn more about [the northern plains’] diverse cultural and natural resources.”—Gayle Fritz, professor of anthropology emerita at Washington University in Saint LouisTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgments Introduction: Wide Vistas, Azure Skies 1. Sculpting the Land 2. Land of the Restless Wind 3. The Land Is Sacred 4. Among the Ancient Archives 5. From Gathering to Growing 6. Nature’s Bounty 7. Medicinal and Mystical Plants 8. From Tools to Toys Epilogue: Under Autumn Skies Appendix: Selected Wild Plants of the Northern Plains Glossary Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisBack from the Collapse covers the evolution, Euro-American-driven collapse, and large-scale restoration of Great Plains wildlife through efforts by the nonprofit organization American Prairie to assemble a protected area of 3.2 million acres on the plains of northeast Montana.Trade Review"This book would be an excellent addition to courses in ecology, conservation, and natural resource management, and will also interest naturalists and professional land managers working and living in the region."—A. L. Mayer, Choice"In Back from the Collapse: American Prairie and the Restoration of Great Plains Wildlife, Freese convinces us that the reintroduction of wildlife in the Great Plains is necessary and good by giving us the history of our planet earth and the Great Plains, by describing a thriving ecosystem that was destroyed by hunting, ranching and farming, and by recounting American Prairie's restoration successes."—Natalia Nebel, NewCity Lit“Grasslands are crucial to Earth’s biological diversity. North America once had a bounteous share. No one is better qualified to tell the story of such prairie ecosystems—the disruption of their dynamics, the collapse of their wildlife populations, and the vital possibility of saving and restoring them—than Curt Freese. This is an important, fascinating book.”—David Quammen, author of The Tangled Tree and Breathless“Curt Freese brings our nation’s ecologically rich but too-long-overlooked grasslands into sharp focus. He delivers a well-researched and approachably written account of the collapse of Great Plains wildlife populations and a challenge to readers—to envision the role that large protected areas can play in biodiversity conservation, especially in the face of climate change.”—Alison Piper Fox, chief executive officer of American PrairieTable of ContentsList of Illustrations List of Maps List of Tables Acknowledgements Introduction Part 1: History Chapter 1: How It Started Chapter 2: From Sea, Ice, and Forest Emerges a Prairie Chapter 3: From the End of One Faunal Collapse to the Dawn of Another Chapter 4: From Euro-American Settlement to Today Part 2: Wildlife Collapses and Recoveries Chapter 5: American Beaver and River Otter Chapter 6: Ungulates Chapter 7: Carnivores Chapter 8: Rocky Mountain Locust Chapter 9: Black-tailed Prairie Dog and Black-footed Ferret Chapter 10: Pallid Sturgeon and Other Fish Stories Chapter 11: Grassland Birds Part 3: Conclusion Chapter 12: Where We’ve Been and Where We Need to Go Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated guide to the natural habitats and rich diversity of wildlife in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area Though the Twin Cities and environs have proven a fine habitat for one particular species, the three million humans who call the area home share these 3,000 square miles with myriad animals and plants, all in a mosaic of various ecosystems. While most of the region’s wildlife has lost its original habitat to agriculture and urban development, a significant patchwork of native and restored habitat remains—prairies, woods, and wetlands, along with pockets in the parks and open spaces throughout the cities and suburbs. This easy-to-use guide gives novice and long-time naturalists alike the tools to find and explore these natural places in the metropolitan Twin Cities, some within the city limits and all within an hour’s drive of downtown Minneapolis.John J. Moriarty is a congenial expert on the remarkable diversity of plants and animals in the region’s habitats, from prairies and savannas to woods and wetlands such as swamps and marshes, to fens and bogs, lakes and rivers, and urban and suburban spots. Featuring Siah L. St. Clair’s remarkable photographs, maps, and commentary on natural history, this field guide invites readers to investigate the Twin Cities’ wildlife—familiar and obscure, sun-loving or nocturnal, shy or easily observed. Here are snapping turtles, otters, and Cooper’s hawks, the wild lupines, white water lilies, and sprawling white oaks, among hundreds of species found in the wild, the park, or even the backyard. Including notes on invasive species and a list of references and organizations, this book is a perfect companion and an unparalleled resource for anyone interested in discovering the rich natural world of the Twin Cities. Trade Review"This easy-to-use guide includes pictures of plants and animals arranged by regional parks, from chipmunks to garter snakes, invasive buck thorn to oak trees. It will enrich your admiration for these creatures and plants that thrive alongside 3 million humans in a ‘mosaic of various ecosystems.’"—Pioneer Press"Here is proof that you need not go beyond the boundaries of the metro area to find new and exciting natural places to visit, and fascinating to see."—Star Tribune"This easy-to-use guide gives novice and long-time naturalists alike the tools to find and explore these natural places in the Twin Cities metro."—Minnesota Outdoor News"This book is a perfect companion and an unparalleled resource for anyone interested in discovering the rich natural world of the Twin Cities."—Community Reporter"This a high quality guide for amateur naturalists in the Twin Cities region."—CHOICETable of ContentsIntroductionPrairies SavannasBig WoodsOak WoodsWetlands: Marshes and SwampsFens and BogsLakesRiversUrban and SuburbanAppendix A. Natural Areas and Parks by HabitatAppendix B. Animals and Plants by HabitatChecklist of Vertebrates of the Twin CitiesResourcesIndex

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Book SynopsisGrasslands are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses (Poaceae) and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants (forbs). Plants of the sedge (Cyperacae) and rush (Juncaceae) families can also be frequent in grasslands. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica, and in many other areas they have replaced the natural vegetation due to human influence. In temperate latitudes, such as north-west Europe, grasslands are dominated by perennial species, whereas in warmer climates annual species form a greater component of the vegetation. Grasslands can be found in most terrestrial climates. Grassland vegetation can vary in height from very short, as in chalk downland where the vegetation may be less than 30 cm high, to quite tall, as in the case of North American tallgrass prairie, South American grasslands and African savannah. Woody plants, shrubs or trees, may occur on some grasslands - forming wooded, scrubby or semi-wooded grassland, such as the African savannahs or the Iberian dehesa. Such grasslands are sometimes referred to as wood-pasture or Savannah woodland. Grasslands cover nearly fifty percent of the land surface of the continent of Africa. This book gathers new and important research from around the world in this field.

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Book SynopsisGenetic diversity and species diversity are both crucial for ecosystem stability. Analysis of plant diversity aims to understand the organisation and the variability of biological populations within ecosystems. This book provides a review on chemotaxonomical criteria helping to understand complex structures of plant diversity. It focuses particularly on the chemotaxonomic usefulness of phenolic compounds in analysis of chemical polymorphisms at different taxonomic levels. The relationship between grazing pressure and grassland vegetation is also examined, using drastically improved information technology such as remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Ground Positioning Systems (GPS). Furthermore, an overview of the unique ecosystem of the South Brazilian Campos grasslands are given. The role of disturbance in maintaining Campos biodiversity and dynamics, and the importance of its conservation, is looked at as well. Other chapters in this book discuss the relationship between management and vegetation, and also suggest ways to conserve the species diversity of both plants and butterflies in semi-natural grassland.

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Book SynopsisThe Chicago metropolitan area is home to far more protected nature than most people realize. Over half a million acres of protected land known as the Chicago Wilderness are owned and managed by county forest preserve districts and other public and private sector partners. But there’s a critical factor of the Chicago Wilderness conservation effort that makes it unique: a pioneering grassroots volunteer community, thousands strong, has worked for decades alongside agency staff to restore these nearby natural areas, learning how to manage biodiversity in an altered and ever-changing urban context. A Healthy Nature Handbook captures hard-earned ecological wisdom from this community in engaging and highly readable chapters, each including illustrated restoration sequences. Restoration leaders cover large-scale seeding approaches, native seed production, wetland and grassland bird habitat restoration, monitoring, and community building. Contributions from local artists bring the region’s beauty to life with vibrant watercolors, oil paintings, and sketches. A Healthy Nature Handbook is packed with successful approaches to restoring nature and is a testament to both the Chicago region’s surprising natural wealth and the stewards that are committed to its lasting health.Table of ContentsDedication Preface Introduction Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Restoration, Nachusa Style \ Jay Stacy, Bernie Buchholz, Cody Considine, Bill Kleiman, and Kaleb Baker - Toolshed: Meet the Parsnip Predator Chapter 2: Backyard Seed Factory \ Rob Sulski Chapter 3: Reclaiming Sedge Meadow \ Tom Vanderpoel - Point of Craft: A Twist on Brushpile Building Chapter 4: Monitoring Fit For A Steward \ Karen Glennemeier Chapter 5: Monitor Birds, See Ecosystems In 3d \ Jenny Flexman Chapter 6: The Society Of Stewardship \ Stephen Packard, Linda Masters, and Eriko Kojima - Toolshed: The Scythe Contributing Artists

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Book SynopsisCandace Savage’s acclaimed and beautifully written guide to the ecology of the prairies, now revised and updated. Praise for the previous edition of Prairie: “Impelled with its sense of the miraculous in nature.”—Globe and Mail This revised edition of Prairie features a new preface along with updated research on the effects of climate change on an increasingly vulnerable landscape. It also offers new information on: · conservation of threatened species, including the black-tailed prairie dog and farmland birds; · grassland loss and conservation; · the health of rivers and the water table; · the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on prairie wetlands; · the benefits of regenerative agriculture. Illustrated with elegant black-and-white line drawings and maps, this award-winning tome continues to be a highly readable guide to understanding the ecology, geological history, biodiversity, and resilience of the prairies.

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book unravels the complexities of the grassland systems of Mongolia and northern China to identify the ways in which policies and incentives can be strengthened to improve grassland condition and herder livelihoods. Through an interdisciplinary lens, combining environmental economics and grassland science, contributors unpack the preferences, attitudes and behavioural responses of Asian grassland actors to new and alternative policies. Offering a comparative analysis of policies and incentives in China and Mongolia, chapters focus on understanding ex ante behavioural responses, arguing convincingly for a mix of incentives and associated policy measures that can both improve grassland conditions and align with the preferences of herders and officials. Featuring a unique interdisciplinary focus and comparative approach, this book is crucial reading for grassland and rangeland scientists in China, Mongolia and beyond as well as grassland officials seeking new policies and a better understanding of their impact. Academics and researchers of the environment and ecology in China, Mongolia and Asia more broadly will also find this book a fascinating insight into environmental livelihoods and contemporary grassland experiences. Contributors include: J. Addison, K. Behrendt, J. Bennett, C. Brown, D. Bukhbat, L. Dorjburegdaa, U. Gombosuren, Q. Guanghua, H. Guodong, X. Hou, G. Jargalsaihan, D. Kemp, P. Li, E.-O. Lkhagvadorj, S. Waldron, B. Zhang, J. Zhang, Y. Zhang, M. Zhao Mengli, W. ZhongwuTrade Review'This well-organized and clearly written edited volume is a pleasure to read. If you could have but one book on your shelf regarding steppe grassland environments and use, this should be it. The comparative approach is most effective, offering excellent detail and comprehensive information throughout. Contributors address seminal issues from a wealth of perspectives and continuously challenge readers at all levels of familiarity to consider the interplay between environments, economics, and policy implementation.' --Gregory Veeck, Western Michigan University, US'This book reports a multi-disciplinary examination of the fundamental dilemma of reconciling the long-term improvement of herder livelihoods with ensuring the future sustainability of the national environmental resource that grasslands represent. Building on more than three decades of research on the grasslands of China, the authors address the complex issues currently involved from many perspectives including both a sophisticated questioning of herders and a detailed modelling of their present situation. Realistic possible solutions to the dilemma are put forward and evaluated.' --John W. Longworth, President, International Association of Agricultural Economists (1989-1991)Table of ContentsContents: Foreword by Andrew Campbell xv 1 Introduction 1 Colin G. Brown, Qiao Guanghua, Lkhagvadorj Dorjburegdaa, Jane Addison, David Kemp, Han Guodong, Udval Gombosuren, Karl Behrendt, Jeff Bennett and Li Ping 2 Institutions and macrodevelopments 12 Jane Addison, Colin G. Brown, Enkh-Orchlon Lkhagvadorj, Zhang Jing, Scott Waldron, Zhang Bao and Duinkherjav Bukhbat 3 Grassland livestock systems 48 David Kemp, Han Guodong, Li Ping, Wang Zhongwu, Zhao Mengli, Udval Gombosuren, Gantuya Jargalsaihan, Zhang Yingjun, Hou Xiangyang and Jane Addison 4 Grassland environmental services 78 David Kemp, Li Ping, Jane Addison, Karl Behrendt, Wang Zhongwu, Han Guodong, Zhao Mengli, Udval Gombosuren and Hou Xiangyang 5 Efficiency of marketing systems 96 Colin G. Brown, Enkh-Orchlon Lkhagvadorj, Zhang Jing, Lkhagvadorj Dorjburegdaa, Qiao Guanghua and Zhang Bao 6 Herders as agents of change 120 Jane Addison, Enkh-Orchlon Lkhagvadorj, Lkhagvadorj Dorjburegdaa, Zhang Bao and Li Ping 7 Understanding policies and preferences 146 Jeff Bennett, Li Ping, Zhang Bao, Enkh-Orchlon Lkhagvadorj and Duinkherjav Bukhbat 8 Strengthening policy incentives 165 Colin G. Brown, Jeff Bennett, Qiao Guanghua, Lkhagvadorj Dorjburegdaa, Jane Addison, Udval Gombosuren, David Kemp, Han Guodong, Karl Behrendt and Li Ping Index 177

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Book Synopsis Find pleasure, joy, and calm through communing with nature's majesty in a self-care book overflowing with untamed beauty. Chad Hanson’s captivating photography allows us to observe wild horses in their natural element, offering life-changing moments of splendor, mindfulness, and wonder.Combining stunning imagery with insights from the new science of awe and contemplative practices, The Wild Horse Effect reminds us that stepping away from our modern lives and reconnecting with the natural world is essential to our sense of peace, purpose, and well-being. This unique nature book invites you into a world seldom experienced by humans through breathtaking imagery of wild horses on the open plains. In addition, author Chad Hanson delves into current research and lays out the myriad mind-body benefits of spending time in natural spaces. 'Try this' sidebars throughout offer simple ways to get outside, practice mindfulness, and discover more wonder in your every day, no matter where you live. Handsomely designed to evoke the allure of the West and brimming with images that range from austere to heartwarming to jubilant, this transporting book will appeal to animal and nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone interested in improving their well-being through time spent outdoors.Perfect for: Horse lovers and equestrians Animal lovers and anyone interested in wildlife conservation People who live in or travel to the western United States  Forest bathers, meditators, and mindfulness practitioners Fans of nature photography  People who enjoy Nature Meditations Deck, Forest Bathing, or Chronicle Books’ Pocket Nature series

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Book SynopsisGrassland ecosystems are deeply affected by human activities and need appropriate management to optimise trade-offs between ecosystem functions and services. Until now they have mainly been analysed as agro-ecosystems for animal production but this book looks beyond the role of grassland as a feeding ground, and evaluates other important processes such as carbon sequestration in soils, greenhouse gas regulation and biodiversity protection. This authoritative volume expertly highlights the need for an immediate balance between agriculture and ecological management for sustainability in the future.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Food security and environmental impacts; challenge for grassland sciences. Chapter 1: Primary production of grasslands, herbage accumulation and use, and impacts of climate change. Section 1: Productivity and use of grassland resource Chapter 2: Nutritional constraints for grazing animals and the importance of selective grazing behavior. Chapter 3: The influence of vegetation characteristics on foraging strategies and ingestive behavior. Chapter 4: Diversity, productivity and stability in grazing systems. Chapter 5: Importance of scale in the management of grassland resources. Chapter 6: Livestock production styles and managing grassland ecosystems. Section 2: Grasslands as regulating biogeochemical cycles and environmental fluxes to hydrosphere and atmosphere Chapter 7: Carbon storage and organic matter dynamics in grassland soil. Chapter 8: Managing C and N in grassland systems. The adaptive cycle theory perspective. Chapter 9: Managing mineral N leaching in grassland systems. Chapter 10: Greenhouse gas emission from grassland area and mitigation. Chapter 11: Role and impacts of legumes in grasslands for high productivity and N gain from symbiotic N2 fixation. Chapter 12: Efficiency of Phosphorus Cycling in Different Grassland Systems. Section 3: Grasslands as regulating biodiversity dynamics Chapter 13: Predicting biodiversity dynamics of grasslands under global changes: the role of long-term manipulation of climates. Chapter 14: Interactions between grassland management and species diversity. Chapter 15: Assessing the functional role of plant diversity in grasslands: a trait-based approach. Chapter 16: Exploiting genotypic and phenotypic plant diversity in grasslands. Chapter 17: Microbial diversity of grasslands, its functional role. Chapter 18: Soil fauna diversity and ecosystem functions in grasslands. Section 4: Grasslands as component of sustainable farming Chapter 19: Role of grasslands in intensive animal production in North-West Europe. Conditions for a more sustainable farming system. Chapter 20: Management of grazing systems in New Zealand and environmental impacts. Chapter 21: Rangeland management for sustainable conservation of natural resources. Chapter 22: Opportunities and challenges for integrating North-American crop and livestock systems. Chapter 23: Integration of grasslands within arable crop systems in South-America. Section 5: Grasslands as components of landscape ecology and agricultural systems at regional level Chapter 24: Temperate grasslands in catchment systems: the role of scale, connectivity and thresholds in the provision and regulation of water quality and quantity. Chapter 25: Integration of grasslands with forests at regional level. Chapter 26: Role of grasslands area within arable cropping systems for conservation or enhancing biodiversity at regional level. Chapter 27: Interactions between cereal cropping systems and pastoral areas as the base for a sustainable agriculture development in Mediterranean countries. Chapter 28: A way for developing integrated system at landscape level in tropical areas.

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