Field Guide to the Natural World of Washington, D.C.

by Howard Youth, Kirk Johnson (Foreword), Mark A. Klingler (Illustrator)

A field guide to plants and animals commonly found in the nation's capital. Winner of the Design and Effectiveness Award of the Washington Publishers Nature awaits discovery at almost every turn in the complex ecosystem of Washington, D.C. In parks large and small, within the District's gardens, and on public streets, there is tremendous biodiversity. In Field Guide to the Natural World of Washington, D.C. , naturalist Howard Youth takes us on an urban safari, describing the wild side of the nation's capital. Beyond the abundant wildlife that can be seen in every neighborhood, Washington boasts a large park network rich in natural wonders. A hike along the trails of Rock Creek Park, one of the country’s largest and oldest urban forests, quickly reveals white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, and little brown bats. Mayapples, Virginia bluebells, and red mulberry trees are but a few of the treasures found growing at the National Arboretum. A stroll along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers might reveal stealthy denizens such as bullfrogs, largemouth bass, and common snapping turtles. Detailed drawings by Carnegie artist Mark A. Klingler and photography by Robert E. Mumford, Jr., reveal the rich color and stunning beauty of the flora and fauna awaiting every D.C. naturalist. Whether seeking a secluded jog or an adventurous outing, residents and tourists alike will find this handsome guide indispensable for finding oases away from the noise of the city.

Genres: Dc Comics, Nature, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published March 20, 2014

Reviews

[KT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this — even though it says field guild in the title, it truly was a guide with lists of flora and fauna (and rocks). I would have preferred either an extensive list — the author includes his favorites(?) — or a much more detailed one, with just a handful of items, and almost a memoir-like approach in their descriptions. Alas, it was not that. It did get me even more excited about my yard, though!

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part travel guide, part natural history guide, this book offers an excellent overview of the most common flora and fauna in the district including where best to view it. The illustrations are especially appealing.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a bird watchers' guide than a useful reference or narrative.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide. I especially liked the ecological notes.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I should have let the title tell me exactly what it is - a field guide! That said, I found the section on the parks super interesting!!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I can - as a total novice - run around with my little Golden Book guide to the trees of North America in an effort to figure out what's around me, but this field guide is a super handy leg up. I borrowed a copy from the library to see if I'd like it - and I do! It's obviously far from comprehensive, but there's a huge section on all the parks in DC, as well as local highlights from the animal (insect, fish, bird, mammal), plant (trees, wildflowers, vines), and mineral kingdoms, each with a drawing and often a photo, and tips on where they can be found within DC. I intend to buy my own copy now.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're going to get a second book about the outdoors in the DMV, this is a solid pick. (If you're only getting one, get A Year across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region.)

[Lauren Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I'm sure this is a better book if you need the bus stops to research how to visit these places. But as an out of stater trying to read more in-depth about Washington DC and the natural world its a lot of fluff. I know the bird habitats, where the C&O ran and there was pandas in the zoo. It just seemed like a lot of fluff and not anything really in-depth.