Description
Book SynopsisThe definitive work on Minnesota’s natural history and ecology—updated, expanded, and copiously illustrated to account for profound changes to the state’s natural landscape over the past twenty-five years
The story of Minnesota’s natural landscape, reaching back to the time of the glaciers, covers at least 12,000 years. Yet even against that vast expanse, recent decades have significantly transformed the natural world that is Minnesota’s greatest resource. In the twenty-five years since the first publication of Minnesota’s Natural Heritage, the definitive volume on the state’s natural history and ecology, human activity and climate change have profoundly altered the major ecosystems that give our state its rich and varied character.
The second edition of Minnesota’s Natural Heritage introduces readers to these ecosystems—the lakes and rivers, forests and prairies, farmlands and wetlands—and explains how they have come to be, how they function, and how they have changed so rapidly and dramatically in recent years. Full-color illustrations document the state’s striking natural beauty in all its vigor and fragility, while maps, drawings, diagrams, and graphs amplify points of historical, ecological, and geological interest.
The most complete treatment of Minnesota’s natural environment, compiled and accessibly written by scientists whose collective knowledge spans the book’s expansive content, Minnesota’s Natural Heritage is the one indispensable companion for both visitors and inhabitants, as enlightening to page through as it is valuable to study.
Trade Review"Anyone with a deep affection for Minnesota’s natural resources, highly seasonal and variable climate, diverse ecosystems, and beautiful landscapes should read the second edition of Minnesota’s Natural Heritage. This book chronicles the evolution of our state’s natural systems and the challenges of sustainably managing them in the context of climate change. It should be part of every home reference library."—Mark Seeley, author of Minnesota Weather Almanac
"This second edition of Minnesota's Natural Heritage is just as engaging as the first and is supported with beautiful photos, illustrations, and graphs. But now readers learn of new and serious threats facing Minnesota’s prairies, forests, and waters. Will we restore and protect this natural legacy for future generations? For anyone who cares about nature, this book is a must read."—Peggy Ladner, former director, The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota
"Dr. Tester was my favorite professor at the University of Minnesota. I bought his book’s first edition immediately when it came out, and I have waited with anticipation for the update. It does not disappoint. His immense knowledge of ecology and of Minnesota are in full display and in a voice that everyone can understand. Outstanding!"—Tom Landwehr, executive director, Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters
"John R. Tester and colleagues’ new edition inspires Minnesotans—and others who appreciate this great state—with information about our precious natural resources, including ways to protect and restore them from long-standing environmental problems and new challenges such as climate change. The book explores each of the biomes in Minnesota, listing the species and ecology one can find there and the ways we can work to restore its glory."—Jessica Hellmann, director, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota
"Well organized and infused with amazing photographs of the landscape and wildlife that makes this area so special."—Rochester Post-Bulletin
"With lovely photos, illustrations, and tables of information, this is a great book for the cabin owner or traveling summer cabin user to enjoy whether checking a specific topic or settling down with a long read."—Ely Echo
"The book takes definitive looks at our landscape, climate and weather, forests, prairie, wet-lands, lakes, streams and rivers. It concludes with important comment on the future of this marvelous state, and how we should care for it."—Star Tribune
Table of ContentsContents
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgments
1. The Landscape
Geologic History
Changing Landscapes Since Glaciation
The Present Landscape
2. Climate and Weather
Solar Radiation
Temperature
Precipitation
Clouds
Wind
Observed Climate Change
3. Principles of Ecology
Environment
Ecosystem Structure and Function
Populations and Communities
4. Deciduous Forest
Deciduous Forest Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Forest Management and Conservation in Minnesota
5. Northern Coniferous Forest
Northern Coniferous Forest Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Present Status of the Northern Coniferous Forest
6. Tallgrass Prairie
Prairie Forest Border
Tallgrass Prairie Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Present Status of the Tallgrass Prairie
7. Wetlands
Prairie Wetlands
Animals and Community Interactions in Prairie Wetlands
Peatlands
Animals and Community Interactions in Peatlands
Other Wetlands Occurring in Minnesota
Present Status of Wetlands
8. Lakes
Formation and Distribution
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Lake Communities
Ecosystem Function
Animals and Community Interactions
Minnesota’s Lakes
Present Status of Minnesota’s Lakes
9. Streams and Rivers
Origins of Streams and Rivers
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Stream Communities
Ecosystem Function
River Continuum Concept
Animals and Community Interactions
Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers
Present Status of Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers
10. The Future
Stemming Habitat Loss
Feeding a Growing Human Population Sustainably
Adapting to a Changing Climate
Reversing the Spread of Invasive Species
Reducing Damaging Chemicals in the Environment
Recovering Threatened Species Populations
Planning Statewide Conservation Action
Restoring Ecosystems
A Perspective to Live With
Appendixes
A. Counties and Major Rivers in Minnesota
B. Trees and Shrubs Found in Minnesota
C. Common Herbs Found in Minnesota
D. Mammals Found in Minnesota
E. Birds Breeding in Minnesota
F. Amphibians and Reptiles Found in Minnesota
G. Fishes Found in Minnesota
H. Metric Equivalents of English Weights and Measures
Literature Cited
Permissions
Index
