Customer Reviews

Ecosystems of Florida

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For more than a decade, 'Ecosystems of Florida' has become the standard by which all other books on Florida's unique ecology are judged. The flora, fauna, soil, climate, and hydrological characteristics of all of Floridas ecosystems are explained in exhaustive yet accessible detail. The book also has general information about the soil, climate, and geological history of Florida that helps the reader explore the ecosytem chapters with a broader understanding of the ecology of the state as a whole. Concluding chapters tie in the influence of people to the history of Florida's ecology and explain the role people will take in shaping or breaking Florida's natural areas in the future. This book has become more than a reference to me. It presents a very complex set of information in a clear, easily-read, and entertaining format that makes it hard to put down.

Ecosystems of Florida formed the basis for the Florida Master Naturalist program. I recently completed all three modules, and found this book very helpful in expanding the information taught in class. Unfortunately, it is overdue for revision, but the core data has not changed. The classroom slide shows and videos are helpful, and it pays to find a good instructor (I highly recommend Steve Bass, if you live in Southeast Florida), but if you want to delve deeper into the material, this book is the place. Also recommended is "Priceless Florida."

I am an Environmental Scientist, living and working in Florida now, but was never formally educated here. I bought this book, recommended by a co-worker. It has proven to be a great learning tool. It contains historical information, along with a wide range of information about geology, geography, soils, climate and more current human influences on the ecosystems of Florida.

I was introduced to this amazing book while taking Florida Master Naturalist classes through the extension service of the University of Florida. This is an excellent book if you ever wanted to understand the complex divisions and explanations of the ecosystems of Florida. Well written and very approachable for all levels of study.