Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont (Middlebury Bicentennial Series in Environmental Studies) [Paperback]

Elizabeth H. Thompson (Author), Eric R. Sorenson (Author), Libby Davidson (Illustrator), Betsy Brigham (Illustrator), Darien McElwain (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Middlebury Bicentennial Series in Environmental Studies | Publication Date: November 1, 2000

Vermont's natural communities -- its northern hardwood forests, dry oak woodlands, alpine tundra, red maple swamps, bogs, and marshes -- are described in this comprehensive book. Richly illustrated with beautiful line drawings and color photographs, the guide describes each of Vermont's 80 upland and wetland natural communities. Ecological settings, including geology, soils, climate, and natural disturbance processes, are described for each community, along with complete lists of characteristic plants and animals, and public lands readers may visit.

Wetland, Woodland, Wildland contains detailed information on natural communities that is not available elsewhere, and practical information for naturalists, teachers, students, landowners, land managers, foresters, conservation planners, and all those with a love of the outdoors who want to learn more about their surroundings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A solid, comprehensive guide . . . practical information for naturalists, teachers, landowners and conservation planners . . . as well as general knowledge for anyone who wants to learn more about the Vermont outdoors." --Vermont Sunay Magazine

From the Publisher

6 1/4 x 9 trim. 200 illus. 107 drawings. 101 color photos. 82 color maps. 4 tables. 4 charts LC 00-103493

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Product Details

• Paperback: 468 pages
• Publisher: Middlebury/Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Nature Conservancy; 1st edition (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158465077X
• ISBN-13: 978-1584650775
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love Vermont--understand it, September 6, 2003

By 

Kitty Werner "katinvermont" (Waitsfield, Vermont United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont (Middlebury Bicentennial Series in Environmental Studies) (Paperback)

As a resident of Vermont, I found this book to be one of the definitive works about Vermont's natural habitat. It is quite the eyeopener. The interactions of all the natural wonders of the state are completely explained, as well as the definitions of the specific ecosystems found everywhere. With this book I was able to map vernal pools, hemlock swamps and other sensitive habitats around me. Absolutely invaluable.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars taking the next step, June 8, 2003

By 

Tom Van Vechten (West lebanon, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont (Middlebury Bicentennial Series in Environmental Studies) (Paperback)

I came to this book as a relative beginner in nature observation, I could pick out the major tree species, but not much more than that. This guide was of tremendous help to me in learning to see relationships between tree types and the soil, exposeur, water, and other plants. The text is focused on Vermont, but I found it very helpful in New Hampshire, and I am sure it would be useful in Maine and New York as well as some of the Great Lakes areas. It is also very beautiful to look at, though some what difficult to read straight through from cover to cover. Take it with you on a hike, or during fly season look at it when you get back.

I hope there are or will be additional books of this type for other areas of the country / world. The authors and artist have set a high standard.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous natural community descriptions!, October 18, 2008

By 

Randy J. Mercurio (Morrisville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont (Middlebury Bicentennial Series in Environmental Studies) (Paperback)

Being new to Vermont I had a lot to learn of the structure and contents of the natural communities here. This book is well organized and packed with information not only for VT but for the surrounding states as well because the habitats may exist in NY, NH, MA, CT and even Canada. As Tom Vechten pointed out it may be difficult to read from cover to cover but if you read most of the beginning chapters I think it is safe to venture to the regions that interest or concern you. Nice pictures and great line drawings help with visualization. The maps for each section are also useful but it will still be up to you to figure out which habitat you are actually standing in at any given moment, however, the book will guide you to narrow the decision. I think this is an outstanding guide to the region and I recommend it to biologists, naturalists, ecologists, hikers, campers, hunters, outdoorsman, foragers and anyone interested in learning about the history to structure of Vermonts amazing landscape. A big THANK YOU to the authors for compiling this much needed resourceful guide and it's worth every penny!