Description
Book SynopsisReveals the natural history of the Puget Sound region. This book begins with a discussion of how the ice ages and vulcanism shaped the land and examines the natural attributes of the region - flora and fauna, climate, special habitats, life histories of key organisms - as they pertain to the ecosystem. It contains over three hundred photographs.
Trade Review"Many natural histories are aimed at an audience already in possession of dog-eared field guides and well-worn hiking boots. This one casts a wider net, with a text that is both accessible and scholarly. Stunning black-and-white photographs, beautiful illustrations and intelligent captioning let his volume work equally well as a browse or a read. The Puget Sound watershed now has a lavish book worthy of its great diversity and beauty."
* Whole Earth Review *
"Kruckeberg's book doesn't strain to be either outrageously passionate or a poetic page-turner for its effect. Rather it is so comprehensive and clear that it will probably become a landmark textbook, one of the basic reference works for understanding this region."
* The Seattle Times *
"An uncommonly beautiful book."
* Columbia *
"Thorough, intelligently written and well illustrated, it is one of the best books to ever come out of the Pacific Northwest."
* Victoria Times Colonist *
"A comprehensive reference, invaluable for all citizens of the Northwest, as well as for conservationists, biologists, foresters, fisheries and wildlife personnel, urban planners, and environmental consultants everywhere."
* Biology Digest *
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
The Lay of the Land: Landforms and Geology of the Puget Sound Basin
Climate and Weather
The Inland Sea
Marine Life in Puget Sound
Life on Land: Lowland Forests
Lakes, "Prairies," and Other Nonforested Lowland Habitats
Montane Natural History of the Puget Sound Basin
Water and the Quality of Life
Aboriginal Indians in the Puget Sound Basin
The European Impact on Puget Country
Appendix 1: The Naming of Plants and Animals
Appendix 2: Place Names and Kindred Matters for the Puget Basin
Appendix 3: Chronology of Happenings in the Puget Sound Basin and the Pacific Northwest
Appendix 4: Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in Washington
Appendix 5: Soils of the Puget Basin
Bibliography
References Cited
For Further Reading
Credits
Index
