This long-anticipated reference and sourcebook for CaliforniaÕs remarkable ecological abundance provides an integrated assessment of each major ecosystem typeÑits distribution, structure, function, and management. A comprehensive synthesis of our knowledge about this biologically diverse state, Ecosystems of California covers the state from oceans to mountaintops using multiple lenses: past and present, flora and fauna, aquatic and terrestrial, natural and managed. Each chapter evaluates natural processes for a specific ecosystem, describes drivers of change, and discusses how that ecosystem may be altered in the future. This book also explores the drivers of CaliforniaÕs ecological patterns and the history of the stateÕs various ecosystems, outlining how the challenges of climate change and invasive species and opportunities for regulation and stewardship could potentially affect the stateÕs ecosystems. The text explicitly incorporates both human impacts and conservation and restoration efforts and shows how ecosystems support human well-being. Edited by two esteemed ecosystem ecologists and with overviews by leading experts on each ecosystem, this definitive work will be indispensable for natural resource management and conservation professionals as well as for undergraduate or graduate students of CaliforniaÕs environment and curious naturalists.

Southern California Mountains Wildflowers presents 380 plant species of the diverse southern California Mountains, including dominant species and plants most likely noticed. With information about distinguishing less common species from those that are more widespread, this guide is sure to please botanists and more serious plant enthusiasts. Including many of the rare plants that make each mountain range unique, especially those endemic to the Big Bear region, a world-famous “biodiversity hotspot,” this is a must-have for any wildflower lover. Look inside to find: Detailed yet user-friendly descriptions and full-color photos of 380 wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and ferns Information on flowering season and interesting facts about each plant Natural history information for southern California mountains, including geography, geology, and climate Discussion of plant adaptations to higher elevations Information on conservation and threats to mountain plants Early botanical explorers of southern California mountains How native mountain plants were used by Native Americans Plants arranged by color and family A glossary of botanical terms

In this comprehensive and abundantly illustrated book, Allan A. Schoenherr describes the natural history of California—a state with a greater range of landforms, a greater variety of habitats, and more kinds of plants and animals than any area of equivalent size in all of North America. A Natural History of California focuses on each distinctive region, addressing its climate, rocks, soil, plants, and animals. The second edition of this classic work features updated species names and taxa, new details about parks reclassified by federal and state agencies, new stories about modern human and animal interaction, and a new epilogue on the impacts of climate change.

The Beer Lover's series features regional breweries, brewpubs and beer bars for those looking to seek out and celebrate the best brews--from bitter seasonal IPAs to rich, dark stouts--their cities have to offer. With quality beer producers popping up all over the nation, you don't have to travel very far to taste great beer; some of the best stuff is brewing right in your home state. These comprehensive guides cover the entire beer experience for the proud, local enthusiast and the traveling visitor alike, including information on: - brewery and beer profiles with tasting notes- brewpubs and beer bars- events and festivals- food and brew-your-own beer recipes - city trip itineraries with bar crawl maps- regional food and beer pairings