Field Guide to Old-Growth Forests: Explore the Ancient Forests of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia [Paperback]

Larry Eifert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

Old-growth forests contain more than just the world's tallest trees. Interactions between trees, plants, insects, fungus, streams, fish, and animals create a unique and delicate ecosystem that develops over many hundreds of years. This unique guide includes maps and directions on where to find these ancient forests, plus a wealth of natural history information.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

One might wonder why a field guide to old-growth forests is even necessary. After all, can't you just drive around the Pacific Northwest and get your fill of the big trees? Well, unfortunately, it's not that easy. With ancient forests in the region reduced to a tiny fraction of their former splendor in the space of a single human lifetime, most folks will need precise directions in order to navigate the burned-over clear-cuts and tree farms that now cover the land. This guide will get you into the storied woods--and much more. Locations and maps of many (but not all) great stands of old growth are provided, such as Northern California's Headwaters Forest, Oregon's Opal Creek Wilderness, Washington's Hoh Rainforest, and others north into British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. Additionally, a brief crash course in forest ecology places the giants in a broader ecosystem context, while descriptive passages cover identification and natural histories for common species.

However, "this field guide is not about the weighty scientific details, or the disputes about or denunciation of past timber practices," as the introduction cautions. "Instead, it's about access and appreciation." True, but once you learn how to find one of these impressive remnant forests, you'll wonder how so many others could be squandered.

About the Author

Larry Eifert is a nature writer, painter, and illustrator, and the author of numerous trail guides and books for the National Park Service, including The Distinctive Qualities of Redwoods. He lives in Port Townsend, Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Sasquatch Books (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157061234X
• ISBN-13: 978-1570612343
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #862,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars more please!, February 28, 2004

By 

Macon Richardson (hillsborough nc) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Field Guide to Old-Growth Forests: Explore the Ancient Forests of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (Paperback)

Larry Eifert assumes that only Portlanders and Seattleites will be reading his book. This book only mentions the old growth forests closest to Seattle. It fails to mention any old growth locations North of Mt. Rainier. If you live in Bellingham you would find this book close to useless. Although Washington has more old growth locations, he seems to cover the old growth sites in Oregon with more depth. Keep searching, you'll find a better book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding contribution to forestry & ecological studies., June 4, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Field Guide to Old-Growth Forests: Explore the Ancient Forests of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (Paperback)

Field Guide to Old Growth Forests isn't a scientific treatise on old growth forests, but a guide to accessing and appreciating them, blending a science guide with a travel handbook. A review of the natural history of old growth forests blends with the author's pen and ink drawings and tips on where to find the remaining old growth forests.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings the magic alive, October 21, 2001

By 

Viv Langham (Perth, Western Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Field Guide to Old-Growth Forests: Explore the Ancient Forests of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (Paperback)

This slim volume is fascinating, easy to read and beautifully illustrated. While it is not a thorough scientific treaty on the subject and doesn't provide information on the locations of ALL old growth (something I kind of expected from the title) it is nevertheless an exquisite introduction.
Having contacted Larry Eifert about the book I have to also say that he and wife Nancy are extremely friendly and helpful, not only pointing me in the direction of other information and advising on the best places to visit but also sending me further of his works gratis! In particular, a wonderful little chart describing the creatures and plants of the Redwoods which was the perfect suppliment to the Field Guide.