Book Description

Tree Islands of the Everglades brings together for thefirst time experts in anthropology, ecology, geology, paleontology,wildlife, and landscape modelling to review the state of ourunderstanding of the small, forested islands that are a feature ofmost large wetlands. Although tree islands can be found in wetlandsaround the world, only in the Florida Everglades have their unique andcomplex origins, structure, and functions been investigated. Althoughthese biodiversity hotspots are important to the survival of manyplants and animals in the Everglades, most of them have been lostsince the 1940s as a result of poor water management. Consequently,the restoration of tree islands will be a key performance measure forthe success of the ongoing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.Tree Islands of the Everglades reviews the geologic originof different kinds of tree islands and presents competing hypothesesabout their subsequent development. It also describes their vegetationand factors controlling the composition of their vegetation, theirfauna, their unique geochemistry, and their use by Native Americans.Throughout, the importance of recurring wet years (intensive flooding)and dry years (frequent fires) are emphasized for understandingchanges in tree island flora and fauna. Although they have receivedvery little attention tree islands in The Everglades and othercomparable wetlands around the world are a key feature of thesewetlands and understanding the status or health of tree islands iscentral to understanding their overall condition. This book will be of particular interest to ecologists,environmentalists, geologists and wildlife biologists with an interestin wetlands, especially wetland preservation and restoration. ... Read more

Book Description

Along the urban corridor of the Wasatch Front, much of the western horizon is formed by the distinctive ridge line of Antelope Island in Great Salt Lake. A state park, the island is a favorite destination for Utah outdoor recreationists and visiting tourists. Despite its familiarity to Utahns and others, many know little about the island's environment and history. Marlin Stum satisfies the need for a thoughtful and entertaining overview of this important Utah landmark. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Visions of Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake
Dear Amazon.com,

I am the author of Visions of Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake. Thanks for listing my book with a photo of the cover illustration.

You used to have a form where the author could comment on his book, but I cannot find my way to it. I would like to relay to you some comments from published newspaper and magazine reviews of my book. How do I send you this information?

Thanks again, Marlin Stum ... Read more

Book Description

Rotman, Joseph, Journey into Mathematics: The Worldof Proof Prompting readers to do mathematics, not merely readabout it, this proactive book has users reading and writing proofs at theoutset. Complete proofs are given from the start, and coverage begins withelementary mathematics to allow focus on the writing and reading of proofswithout the distraction of absorbing new ideas simultaneously.KEYTOPICS:Contains material that is familiar to calculus readers (i.e.,induction, binomial theorem, polygonal, using the Diophantine parametrizationof the circle by rational functions to solve trigonometric identities, etc.),and engages readers throughout with interesting expositions using history,etymology, and humorous asides. Material is presented as a 'single story' toaid in the subjects progressive growth and development.Formathematicians. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A very entertaining read
The book has a very interesting approach to a wide range of topics in maths. Uses lots of anecdotes and historical facts to motivate the reader. I haven't really sat down to the exercises, but I love the stories and pointers.. sure shall get at the sources mentioned, sometime. ... Read more

Book Description

The rapidly disappearing wetlands that once spread so abundantly across the American continent serve an essential and irreplaceable ecological function. Yet for centuries, Americans have viewed them with disdain. Beginning with the first European settlers, we have thought of them as sinkholes of disease and death, as landscapes that were worse than useless unless they could be drained, filled, paved or otherwise "improved." As neither dry land, which can be owned and controlled by individuals, nor bodies of water, which are considered a public resource, wetlands have in recent years been at the center of controversy over issues of environmental protection and property rights.

The confusion and contention that surround wetland issues today are the products of a long and convoluted history. In Discovering the Unknown Landscape, Anne Vileisis presents a fascinating look at that history, exploring how Americans have thought about and used wetlands from Colonial times through the present day. She discusses the many factors that influence patterns of land use-ideology, economics, law, perception, art-and examines the complicated interactions among those factors that have resulted in our contemporary landscape. As well as chronicling the march of destruction, she considers our seemingly contradictory tradition of appreciating wetlands: artistic and literary representations, conservation during the Progressive Era, and recent legislation aimed at slowing or stopping losses.

Discovering the Unknown Landscape is an intriguing synthesis of social and environmental history, and a valuable examination of how cultural attitudes shape the physical world that surrounds us. It provides important context to current debates, and clearly illustrates the stark contrast between centuries of beliefs and policies and recent attempts to turn those longstanding beliefs and policies around. Vileisis's clear and engaging prose provides a new and compelling understanding of modern-day environmental conflicts. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A terrific historical overview of wetlands...
This is a great primer for anyone interested in the history of our wetland ecosystems- from armchair ecologists to the PhDs. It helped me enormously in understanding how our wetlands came to be what they are today. Vileisis' style is engaging and clear, making this a real page turner. I didn't want to put it down.

An essential book for those interested in wetland protection
We've all heard the statistics. As Vileisis puts it, "Overall, 221 million acres of wetlands once graced our nation's lower forty-eight states with a rich mosaic of life. More than half of these important landscapes no longer exist." This book traces a history of loss and chronicles the changing attitudes of the settlers from Europe and their descendants about wetlands. Caught up as we frequently are in controversies about how to identify wetlands, how to preserve them and mitigate their loss, this book provides a long perspective and calls for no less than a change in culture if we are to stop the inexorable downward trend.

Vileisis describes how, to the first European settlers, what we call wetlands were "dismal swamps," linked by images such as Pilgrim Progress' "slough of despond" to whatever is dark and evil. Later wetlands represented opportunity: drain them and make a lot of money, whether selling real estate in Florida or planting more and more crops.

This is more than a book about wetlands, however. It is a history of water policy in the United States. It tells the history of the great American institutions that grew up to deal with wetlands issues: the Soil Conservation Service, the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. She also tells of the federal legislation that shapes our current ways of dealing with wetlands; how these laws got passed and how they have been enforced. Anyone attempting to understand the changing role of the Corp of Engineers in wetland protection, for example, should read this book.

The book is also gracefully written and filled with great stories about entrepreneurs and dreamers who saw opportunities in controlling the rivers and draining the swamps, and how their plans almost always went awry. It also tells of those who helped change the cultural attitude toward wetlands, people like Mrs. Augustus Hemenway of Boston, who, with William Brewster, founded the Audubon Society and groups like Ducks Unlimited, who saw dramatic decreases of wildlife in their favorite hunting areas. When scientists began to understand the values of wetlands in the early 20th century, long-entrenched attitudes began to change.

Vileisis points to the essential difficulty for understanding and dealing with wetlands: land is property, and our thinking is guided by concepts of "property rights." The waters of the country, on the other hand, have been understood as belonging to all of us. But wetlands are both land -- we can put a fence around it -- and water -- it flows and knows no boundaries. This is the key to why it has been so hard to shape public policy and attitudes about wetlands. As Vileisis puts it, "Americans were stuck somewhere between the conventional view of wetlands as property and the ecological view of wetlands as a life-support system."

Vileisis takes heart from the resiliency of nature, but in her closing chapter she says, "...while there have been changes in attitudes, policies, and laws, and marked decrease in the rate of wetlands loss, the destruction of wetlands continues because powerful interests cling to the status quo that calculates its profits in the ledger of short-term private gain with little concern for the common good." For those of us who work to change this cultural attitude, this book extends our sense of interconnectedness to those who lived before us. Vileisis says, "Informed by history, we can remember the trade-offs already made and turn away from the mistakes and misunderstandings of a time when we knew no better." ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

The ultimate beach read this summer
Dempsey's research is simply breathtaking and mind boggling. He presents the history of the Great Lakes from the opening of the book which takes place 50 years in the future, into thousands of years in the past. We learn about the explorers we only know today because they have cars named for them. We learn of the ordinary people who have helped preserve this resovoir of 1/5 of the worlds fresh water supply. We learn about the fragile life forms that hug these ancient and majestic shores. But the real excitement is found in the book itself that reads at times like a 'page-turner' of a novel. We see how political expediency wins time and time again against the pressures of modern day life and industry. We are made to understand the trust of stewardship that has been placed upon us to preserve these marvels of nature, and most importantly, why. Personally, I was left aghast at how quickly various species of fish and aquatic life could, and have, disappeared forever. Others that have gone to the brink and returned and others that still hang on balanced on the precarious beam of nature. All presented in an excting read to boot!
Being able to distill such voluminous research into an imminently readable book such as this is a rare talent. If you drink water, you need to read this book.

A wake-up call to the dangers the Great Lakes ecosystem face
Written by Dave Dempsey (an environmental policy teacher of Michigan State University who served by President Bill Clinton's appointment on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission), On The Brink: The Great Lakes In The 21st Century is a clarion wake-up call to the dangers the Great Lakes ecosystem face today. Summarizing a history of the Great Lakes' environmental exploitation and gradual recovery, and blending in thoughts on the poetry, folklore, inspiratioon derived from the Great Lakes as well as citizen action to preserve them, On The Brink brings true environmental history to life in an exciting manner that challenges the reader to get involved and join the fight to protect a national treasure. ... Read more

Book Description

This "little lake Bible" organizes and explains lake types, how to read and fly fish them, and understand and imitate their aquatic insect life cycles--and nearby terrestrial insects. Next to each color insect photograph is a representative fly pattern. By carefully inspecting the lake for insects you can find the correct fly to use as shown in the book Hatch Guide for Lakes is the golden key to unraveling one of fly fishing's last best-kept secrets. ... Read more

Book Description

The Spirit of Thoreau series is a fresh new collection of Thoreau's best writing and thinking on various themes, drawn from both unpublished and published sources.

THOREAU ON WATER
REFLECTING HEAVEN
Edited by Robert France

Thoreau's most famous book is named for a pond, and he had an almost mystical fascination with water. As he wrote in his journal, "Water indeed reflects heaven because my mind does -- such is its own serenity -- its transparency -- & stillness."
THOREAU ON WATER brings together his finest writing on one of his greatest passions. ... Read more

Book Description

Riotte explains siting a pond, maintaining water quality, troubleshooting, stocking with fish, plus plenty of old-time fishing lore and scrumptious fresh fish recipes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not Very Helpful
I found that this book would have been helpful for pond plants or if I needed a recipe to cook something I had raised in a pond, but I wanted information on keeping fish in a pond. Specifically I was interested in catfish, and silly me, I 'judged the book by its cover.' This book provides very little helpful infomation on raising pond fish as a hobby. If you're interested in spending several thousand dollars to commercially raise fish such as trout, then this book has something to offer. Otherwise don't bother.

A poetic account of country living.
This is a beautifully written book! It contains many whimsical anecdotes on the process of building a pond, also much practical information on plants, fish, frogs, turtles, and ducks. Having just built a pond, I found this book just the ticket. It doesn't have much about the actual digging and construction--that information is best obtained from your local Soil and Water Conservation Office. But I highly recommend this book if you're building a "real" pond (not one of those plastic pool things).

Bad Rodale Books revisited. Where's the meat?
Mostly touchy feely pointless antedotes. At most one page of useful information. ... Read more

Book Description

Written in a clear, readable style by an acknowledged expert in limnology and biology, Lake Michigan in Motion is certain to become a classic reference book on the subject of the Great Lakes. Its blend of history, science, and public policy will give it broad appeal to limnologists, graduate students, researchers, public officials, elementary and high school teachers, those who live near the Lake, and those who use it for their livelihood and recreation. ... Read more

Book Description

72 drawings *
5 x 8 *
* Unique ecologically-based field guide
* Waterfowl, rails, hawks, herons, finches, and more

Praise for Eastman's Birds of Forest, Yard, and Thicket:

"Presented in a readable, easy to follow narrative...a well-researchedlook at the birds and their lives."--Eirik Blom, Bird Watcher's Digest

Birds of Lake, Pond and Marsh describes how 39 common water and wetlandbirds nest, mate, and rear their broods in spring; how they feed insummer; whether, how, and where they migrate in fall; and how theysurvive in winter. This seasonal approach, together with an emphasis onecological niches, distinguishes Eastman's book from other field guides. Precise illustration complements informative text, making "Birds of Lake,Pond and Marsh" an appealing and educational guide for birders of anyskill level.Entries are arranged in the new taxonomic order based on DNA testing;selected bibliography and index are included.

John Eastman is author of The Book of Forest and Thicket, The Book ofSwamp and Bog, and Birds of Forest, Yard, and Thicket. He lives inKalamazoo, Michigan. Illustrator Amelia Hansen lives in Asheville, NorthCarolina. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Takes up where the field guides leave off
Field guides are great for helping you identify the bird you just scoped, but once you want to learn more about the birds you've been seeing the field guides aren't of much use. This book covers a limited number of birds, but the information provided is excellent. He covers the life history of the birds, including a season by season account of the typical year in the bird's life. Mating habits, habitat preferences, and threats to their enviroment are some of the topics covered. In general, there are 3-5 pages devoted to each species. The illustrations are black and white, but are well done. ... Read more

Book Description

At last, a book for the garden pond enthusiast that provides complete information on how to build, stock and maintain a beautiful garden pond. You'll learn all about pond construction, liners and edging in order to establish a no-fault framework for your pond. You'll also find out how to fill your pond with clear, healthy water and how to keep the water in pristine condition. In addition, you'll learn how to choose and care for aquatic plants that will thrive in your climate. Other chapters discuss selecting and maintaining healthy fish and other pond inhabitants. Best of all, this book includes a stunning array of photographs of ponds, plants and favorite water creatures. Info-packed sidebars make caring for your pond easy and enjoyable. ... Read more

Book Description

For scientists, engineers, and informed citizens committed to protecting and managing our lakes.

Understandable and useful, Managing Lakes and Reservoirs addresses the enormous amount of information on lake management that has developed in the decade since the publication of the manual's first two editions (Lake and Reservoir Restoration Guidance Manual, 1988 and 1990). The first two manuals dealt primarily with restoration of lakes, but this third edition moves beyond restoration issues to focus on ongoing management of lakes and processes that communities of citizens, policymakers, scientists, and enforcement agencies can use to achieve desired outcomes for their local lakes. ... Read more

Book Description

The five Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario with their connecting waters are the world’s largest freshwater system; about 20 per cent of all the fresh surface water on this planet. Each lake differs from the other and yet these connected lakes are one flowing system connected to the Atlantic through the St. Lawrence River. Unique ecosystems evolved in these lakes since the last Ice Age but in the last 200 years commercial fishing and the Lamprey Eel wiped out larger fish. Shipping on the Great Lakes from all parts of the world has brought exotic species that threaten to topple food pyramids. Pollution carried through the air and water damages life in and around these lakes. Through knowledge, and the democratic process, The Dynamic Great Lakes encourages us to appreciate and understand these lakes and to get involved in finding answers to their problems. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Many of us know very little about the five Great Lakes
Many of us know very little about the five Great Lakes other than perhaps being able to name them. As Barbara Spring states in her introduction to her outstanding primer The Dynamic Great Lakes they are "a flowing river of seas left behind by Ice Age glaciers and are nearly twenty percent of the world's supply of fresh surface water; the world's greatest freshwater system." The ecosystem of this great body of water is very complex and unfortunately due to pollution and the fallout of modern industry and agriculture they have gone through a gradual transformation.

One of the unique characteristics of this compact book is that it is written in a language devoid of esoteric explanations. The eight chapters of the book reflect the author's teaching and journalistic aptitudes in knowing how to unravel the mystery of the Great Lakes and the many painful dangers it has faced and continues to face.

Each of the five Lakes is introduced with a brief synopsis of important elements distinguishing one from the other such as: elevation, length, breadth, average depth, maximum depth, volume, water area, retention time, population and outlet. From this point of departure the author deals with the various changes that have taken place as well as the various major issues affecting the Lakes. There are also brief descriptions of the various animal life found in each of the Lakes and how they have been affected by pollution and the appearance of harmful species, such as the Lamprey Eel.

However, we are also reminded throughout the reading of the book that "people power" can have an effect and if we band together and make our voices heard we could exert influence in reversing some of the harmful trends that have caused ecological disaster. For example we are apprised of the situation that occurred in relation to Lake Erie. In 1969 a tributary river of Lake Erie, the Cayahoga, caught on fire due to being heavily coated with oil and debris. As a result, the Federal Water Quality Administration launched a one and half billion dollar municipal sewage treatment program for the Erie Basin which included the five surrounding states: Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.

The conclusion of the book most appropriately reminds us that: "we are all challenged to use our knowledge, creativity and common sense to keep the Great Lakes great. Can you think of ways to think globally and act locally?" We are also warned " life on earth is only possible as long as our limited life support system works."

Norm Goldman Editor of Bookpleasures.com

A Cautionary Book
The Dynamic Great Lakes
By Barbara Spring
Connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence River, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie form the world's largest freshwater system, and account for almost 20 percent of the Earth's fresh surface water. Due to commercial fishing, the introduction of harmful exotic species, and air and water pollution, the precious ecosystem of the Great Lakes is under constant duress. In her cautionary book, environmental activist and professor Spring enthusiastically explores the Great Lakes, and clearly explains why they should be protected.
Book Sense

Recommended Reading
I would recommend this book to anyone who lives on or near the Great Lakes or to anyone interested in preserving the environment. The author taught me as much about the havoc the modern world has strewn on the natural world as she did about Superior, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Erie.

Description book
The five great lakes are between the boundaries of Canada and USA. The book describes the lakes, one by one with lots of details. The great lakes are the most important liquid water reserve. Each lake is different. There are ecosystems like nowhere in the world. We have to protect them. The lakes are not usually well known, so with this book, you discover a fantastic area !!

Beautifully Written
I have a great interest in saving our environment. The only way to do this is through knowledge. I am thankful to the authors that bring their vast knowledge to the reading public.

This book is a masterpiece, filled with fascinating information and references. Barbara Spring has done an outstanding job of bringing her love of the Great Lakes to others. I have been watching the return of the bald eagles to New England. What a wonderous sight to see them soaring overhead after an absence of many years. This was made possible by active ecologists and hard working nature enthusiasts. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about saving the Great Lakes. I feel that this book should be a required read for science classes. ... Read more

Book Description

Teleost fishes account for nearly half of all known vertebratespecies. They have representatives in virtually all aquatic systemsand an enormous variety in the ways they live. Moreover, teleostfishes support subsistence and commercial fisheries and aquaculturesystems throughout the world. The second edition of this highly respected book retains the aims andstructure of the first edition, emphasizing the responses ofindividual fish to their environment and the consequences of theseresponses for the population and community to which the individualsbelong. Fully updated and rewritten, this new edition of Ecology ofTeleost Fishes offers a thorough and integrated approach tothe area and is essential reading for all students of fish biology andecology, fisheries science and aquaculture. Fish biologists, fisheriesscientists, ecologists and researchers in fish population studies,genetics and aquaculture will also find this book to be an invaluablereference source. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Revised from original American Lake Series of 1944
Although I have the original book, I'm sure the reprint is very similar, same author, same title. It has wonderful illustrations and stories that historians would enjoy! An entire American Lake Series included other authors with each great lake as a title. ... Read more