Southern California Nature Guide

by Erin McCloskey, Andy Bezener (Contributor), Krista Kagume (Contributor)

People who live in Northern California have access to a dramatic variety of landscapes, climates and biodiversity. Marine and coastal zones, rugged mountains, humid forests, wild backcountry, grasslands, sagebrush scrublands, deserts, streams and lakes all contribute to its unique, scenic wonders and ecological grandeur. Conservation International defines the California Floristic Province―the area of California west of the Sierra Nevada-Cascade Range―as a world biodiversity hotspot, owing to an unusual concentration of endemic plants. Of approximately 8000 plant species in the geographic region, about half are endemic. Many areas of Northern California, especially in the mountains, have been protected, and the significance of that foresight is inestimable. Lone Pine's newest field guide – the NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NATURE GUIDE – is a handy aid for area residents and visitors alike in identifying the animals and plants you'll find when visiting Northern California's great outdoors. The book features 267 types of animals and 117 plants found in the region. Each species is portrayed by an accurate hand-drawn color illustration. Accompanying text presents the common and scientific names of the species, descriptions of size and other identifying characteristics, natural history and fascinating facts, and where you can expect to find that species. The book is conveniently organized by color-coded mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, fish, invertebrates, trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and ferns. A full-color Quick Identification Guide, an Index and an illustrated Glossary are among the features designed to enhance ease of use for the reader.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2008

About the author

Erin McCloskey earned a degree in conservation biology from the University of Alberta and has worked with wildlife conservation organisations around the world. She has lived in Italy, California and is currently living in New Zealand, working as a guide and nature interpreter. She is the author of a number of books about natural history, voluntourism and places in the world that are important to her.

Reviews

[X · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely lovely

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of Northern California nature guide was all the pictures of the different plants and animals. Reading this book made me realize how much I wish I know a lot more about plants and animals. And also I wonder if anyone remembers all the common and scientific names of animals or do they have to look them up in books?

This book also talks about different northern California bioregions and parks.

Two of my favorite animals from the book are Yellow-orange banana slug and Sea Lemon. So yellow. My favorite Tree sugar pine since I think it so cool that I could get sweet sap from it.

The descriptions of the plants and animals in the book share interesting facts about them and where to find the and sometimes even other names they are know by.

Northing California nature guide was an exciting read. I only wish I could remember all the plants and animals from the book. And I wish I knew more of their scientific names. It makes me want to know more about plants and animals thats for sure.

[Suyi Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book! I read it repeatedly because it is so helpful for my work. I moved to San Francisco in 2022 and started to work in a school that values earth education. The book helps me to recognize local living creatures so I can share what I know with children in my school. The pictures in the books are beautiful, and I love to look at all the pictures again and again.