Native Trees of Southern California

California Natural History Guides #14

by Victor P. Peterson, Rita Whitmore (Illustrator), Victor P. Peterson

Explains the rules, tactics, and basic strategy of the game and provides drills for the experienced player

Genres: Nature

136 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1966

Reviews

[casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trees, like individuals, become increasingly more interesting as we become better acquainted with them... We are fortunate in California that so many areas have been set aside by the federal, state, or local governments (disclaimer: not nearly enough, and not nearly so much would have been possible without the activism of indigenous peoples whose lands these publics occupy with little-to-no recognition) to preserve for all time some of the beautiful and spectacular natural scenery with which we are so abundantly blessed. It is with deep appreciation that we recognise the foresight in establishing these areas to thrill and inspire mankind for generations to come. More should be established before it is too late.

Published in 1966, P. Victor Peterson's guide to Native Trees of Southern California, illustrated by Rita Whitmore, is poetic in its age, in its hope for the environment, and forthright in its erasure of native sovereignty over the lands, earth, and plants that he identifies throughout. Quintessential of its times, and I am thankful that certain things have changed for the better--e.g. https://cejce.berkeley.edu/ohloneland, but acutely aware as I read this (highly useful and beautifully illustrated guide) of the co-opting of nature by the white moderate and how deep this institutionalisation goes in the white world of academia.

[Scott Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another guide in the excellent California Natural History Guide series. This guide focuses on identification of native trees of Southern California. What makes this guide specifically helpful is the section in the back entitled, "Where to see trees" with suggested trips.