Donald D. Cox uses nontechnical terminology in order to provide clear references for the general public as well as professional and amateur naturalists and students. He explores the origins of the oceans, tides, wind belts, and land plants and includes useful illustrations for aid in identification. Most significantly, this guide brings together a wide range of information relative to ocean and seashore ecosystems. Cox includes the types of plants that grow near the seashore; adaptations that help plants survive in seashore habitats; poisonous, medicinal, and edible plants of the ocean and seashore; seasonal changes in the seashore habitat; and methods of naming plants and the folklore of common names. The author also provides complete and accurate details for those readers who are interested in collecting plants and preserving plant collections. The final chapter offers non-technical investigations, activities, and projects. Conservation and habitat preservation are emphasized throughout the book.

In this comprehensive volume Donald D. Cox gathers substantial data on simple field plants in Eastern North America and with great clarity he studies their profound impact on regional ecosystems and the ecology of the earth. This includes origins and types of soils and how these soils relate to vegetation; climate and human culture; plants and fungi growth in fields; adaptations for survival; field plant reproduction and seed dispersal; and toxic, medicinal, and edible plants that flourish in fields. collecting and/or preserving field plants. He focuses on field conservation and habitat preservation throughout the book. A final chapter offers special projects and investigations for those who wish to go a step beyond collecting and identifying plants. This book is an indispensable reference for professional and amateur naturalists as well as students and the general public.

Seashore Plants of South Florida and the Caribbean is a complete source for information about which plants grow best in nearshore environments. It includes extensive characteristics of each plant, including: Form, flower and fruit date Geographic distribution and habitat Reproduction and propagation Ornamental uses Medicinal and toxic properties, including modern and folkloric beliefs and uses Ecological aspects This guide is a must-have for backyard gardeners and serious naturalists alike.

Here is a comprehensive, significant study of wetlands flora, which encompasses all members of the plant and fungi kingdoms. These include poisonous, hallucinogenic, medicinal, and edible plant life as well as native and non-native plants that have the potential to become troublesome weed species. Complete and accurate details are offered on plant collection and preservation. A special chapter provides nontechnical investigations and projects for those pursuing areas beyond the realm of gathering and identifying flora. Conservation and habitat preservation are emphasized throughout the book. Handsomely illustrated, informative, and easy to read, this hands-on guide will prove an accessible and invaluable companion to professional and amateur naturalists as well as to students and the general public.

The Pacific Northwest coast is home to one of the most diverse displays of intertidal marine life in the world, including sponges, clams, snails, crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and more. The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest is a portable and easy-to-use reference for searching out and identifying the hundreds of species of seashore life found on the beaches of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Southeast Alaska. Covering the Pacific Northwest’s most common shoreline-dwelling flora and fauna, the guide gives in each entry a detailed description of appearance and habitat accompanied by colour photos for easy identification of any creature you might encounter as you explore your local beach. Simple but essential information on tides and the various habitats within the intertidal zones is also provided to assist beachcombers in exploring safely with minimal ecological impact. The New Beachcomber’s Guide even contains up-to-date descriptions of the best beachcombing sites and when to visit them—you may even find your new favourite exploration grounds! Thoroughly revised and packed with handy and accessible information, this guide belongs in the beach bag or backpack of any avid naturalist, amateur beachcomber or adventurous family.

Coastal Plants from Cape Cod to Cape Canaveral

This unique, concise and beautifully-illustrated guide allows students to identify over 650 of the common, widespread animals and seaweeds of the shore. User-friendly dichotomous keys are supported by details of diagnostic features and biology of each species. Now enhanced with 32 pages of colour, this much acclaimed guide is invaluable to students of marine biology at any level. Questions such as how does the species reproduce? What is its life-cycle? How does it feed? are answered in the notes accompanying each species to give a fascinating insight into the diversity and complexity of life on the shore. The text is supported by an extensive glossary of scientific terms and a comprehensive bibliography is included to aid further study. The third edition builds on the excellent reviews of earlier editions and will continue to appeal to a wide readership, including students, teachers and naturalists.