NATURE BOOKS

THE FORESTS OF MICHIGAN
by Donald I. Dickmann and Larry A. Leefers

Fifty three percent of the state's land is still covered by forest. Michigan still ranks near the top of the states in the amount of forested land. Here is a good descriptive book which is detailed, yet easy to read and understand. Fires, tornadoes, urban development and neglect all play a part in the history of our forests. A good mix of color and black and white maps, charts and photos throughout the book. ©2003. 8.5 x 11.297 pages. Grades 6 and up. Paperback.

Widespread logging, farming, wetland destruction, water and land pollution have worked together to endanger and threaten many wildlife species in Michigan. There are eighty-one birds, mammals, reptiles and fish on Michigan’s endangered and threatened species list. This book profiles each one with detailed text accompanied by beautiful color photos by some of Michigan’s foremost nature photographers. Also includes maps showing distribution of each species. Plus a section on extinct species and those driven out of the state.  ©1992. 6 x 9.  103 pages. Paperback. (Middle school - adult).

Completely redesigned and rewritten.  A wealth of material pertaining to mammals is packed between its covers along with 85 dramatic black and white photos and several maps and drawings. Has a broad appeal to teacher, student, tourist, sports person alike. Illustrated  ©1995.  6 x 9.  376 pages.  Paperback.  (Middle school-adult)

MICHIGAN  BIRD  WATCHING
by  Bill  Thompson  III

This beautiful book includes every butterfly ever recorded in our state- 159 species. Gorgeous color photos delight the eye and help in identification. The photos show males and females. The text is not overly academic. Even younger students should find it interesting and helpful. Maps show habitat. Flight periods tell when during the year the butterflies can be seen. ©1999.  6 x 9.  252 pages. Paperback.  Better 4th grade through adult level.

This is a companion book to two others from the MSU Extension Service on snakes and turtles. Provides detailed information on 25 species with over 115 remarkable color photos. Several maps are included. Book not overly technical. Short bibliography.  ©1999. 5.5 x 8.5.  144 pages. Paperback.  (Upper elementary to Adult).

A nice single book resource to help students meet benchmark !!.LE4.5. Very colorful. Shows and describes Michigan forests, Great Lakes, sand dunes, beaches, inland lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, marshes and wetlands. Extinct plants and animals, endangered plants and animals and the effects on the ecosystem are all included. Glossary and index included. ©2004.  7.5 x 10.25. Paperback. 48 pages. (Better 4th grade and up.)

MICHIGAN SNAKES
by J. Alan Holman, et.al.

A field guide and pocket reference for those with a curiosity about Michigan’s 17 species of snakes. Besides information on identities, it explains snake behavior, habitat conservation, and snake control. The outstanding color photos make this book special!  ©2006.  5.5 x 8.5.  72 pages.  Paperback. (Grades 5 and up)

MICHIGAN TREES
by Barnes and Wagner

An old faithful revised in 2004. Over a hundred pages with great line drawings illustrating leaf, twig, flower and seed or nut of many popular and rare Michigan trees. A new section on ecosystems using color and black and white maps. Extensive glossary and full index. ©2004. 6.25 x 9.75. 448 pages. Paper back.

Even before dinosaurs, there were turtles and lizards. Covered are the 10 turtles and two lizard species that live in Michigan. For each there is a full-page color photo, description and status, plus habitat and habits. There are guidelines for the care of captive turtles and lizards. Read about the Painted Turtle, the new state reptile! Excellent concise source of information.  ©1997.  5 x 8. 94 pages.  Paperback. (Better grade 4 and up).

This was the first full-color guide to the state’s wildflowers and it is now in its 7th edition (©1998). It covers 278 wildflowers. Each description includes a color photo. Protected and threatened species are indicated. This edition also has information on 8 wildflower walks.  ©1997.  6 x 9. 144 pages.  Paperback. Grades 7-adult.

Completely revised and updated in FULL COLOR. This is now the most lavishly illustrated book on Michigan trees! It lists 81 species and most listings have 4 full color photos showing: the tree, the leaf, the bark, and the seed or flower. These 300 plus color photos are a great help for identification. The text is straightforward and not overly technical.  ©1995.  7 x 9.  178 pages. Paperback. (Useful for Upper Elementary-Adult. Reading level Middle School)