Jules Evens weaves history, science, and personal anecdote into an absorbing chronicle of one of the most biologically diverse places in North America. His account of this enchanted "island in time," separated by tectonics from the rest of the continent, provides a comprehensive overview of the Point Reyes Peninsula, exploring its dynamic character and its haunting appeal. Evens thoroughly investigates the climate, geology, and flora and fauna of Point Reyes, giving special attention to its most characteristic species and their ecological relationships. He delves into the past as well, evoking images of salmon-swollen creeks, herds of elk, and canyons echoing with the cries of cougars to enliven our imagination and set the stage as he traces the changes that have occurred at Point Reyes since the first Spanish explorers visited its shores in the late 1500s. Extensively illustrated with color photographs, original illustrations, and maps, the book also includes species lists for the reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, common invertebrates, fish, and plants found on the peninsula today, making it an essential companion for anyone who plans to visit one of California's most unique natural areas.
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Editorial Reviews
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"[Evens] is the ideal guide . . . [His] book covers Point Reyes from the ground up, literally."--Berkeley Daily Planet
"The author's lyric prose includes many of his own experiences in nature, often with a refreshing sense of both discovery and wonder."--Point Reyes Light
"Whether a visitor to the peninsula or an armchair traveler, readers will agree Evens is a fascinating storyteller, and his writings are sure to attract many to this incredible landscape."--National Garden Clubs
"Highly recommended."--Choice
"Lively and well-informed narrative."--Aptos Times
"The author's lyric prose includes many of his own experiences in nature, often with a refreshing sense of both discovery and wonder."--Point Reyes Light
"Whether a visitor to the peninsula or an armchair traveler, readers will agree Evens is a fascinating storyteller, and his writings are sure to attract many to this incredible landscape."--National Garden Clubs
"Highly recommended."--Choice
"Lively and well-informed narrative."--Aptos Times
From the Inside Flap
"In the past 40 years an amazing amount of data has been accumulated and analyzed on all aspects of the natural history of Point Reyes. Jules Evens has taken the difficult job of tackling an almost impossibly complicated subject and has succeeded masterfully. Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula provides an overview of not just the peninsula, but also adjacent land and ocean habitats, as well as thoughtful insights gleaned from research. The overwhelming draw to this area is observing some part of its natural history, and this book provides an intelligent summary of past and present knowledge."--Bob Stewart, former Naturalist in Residence for the Point Reyes National Seashore and author of Butterflies of Arizona: A Photographic Guide
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Accurate, comprehensive, accessible.,
By A Customer
This review is from: The natural history of the Point Reyes Peninsula (Paperback)
Provides an overview of the remarkable Point Reyes National Seashore Park with a thorough discussion of geologic processes, weather, oceanic cycles, birds and other flora and fauna. Maps, drawings, and bibliography complement the text. Complete species lists provided in Appendix.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent,
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This review is from: Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula: Fully Revised and Expanded Edition (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)
A must have for those visiting the Point Reyes National Seashore. Great color pictures and well written. Provides an excellent overview for those who want a deeper understanding of the area. I highly recommend it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Guide to the Natural World of Point Reyes,
This review is from: Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula: Fully Revised and Expanded Edition (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)
The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula is a beautifully written (in places, almost lyrical) overview of the natural world of the Point Reyes Peninsula, located just north of San Francisco on the California coast. If you are a frequent visitor to this wonderful national seashore, this book will be quite evocative, bringing forth memories of hikes along the peninsula's coastal prairie, or strolls along its beaches with the gulls' cries piercing through the roar of a stiff sea breeze. if you have never been to the peninsula, this book will give you a good, general understanding of the peninsula, its seasons, its geology, its plant communities, and especially its more obvious wildlife.
The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula does have a few shortcomings. The book does not delve into the peninsula's insect life at all, and some classes of animals (e.g., fishes, marine invertebrates) get only fairly brief coverage. Its discussion of the peninsula's plant communities is more of a broad overview, with the author preferring to focus more on the peninsula's animal life. However, it is easy to forgive these shortcomings, as the author provides a wealth of information in a manner that is accessible to the layperson and enjoyable to everyone, regardless of their background. Maps, species lists, and impressive line drawings accompany the text, adding to the richness of the information provided by this excellent work. It should be in the library of anyone interested in Point Reyes.
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