A beaver and a moose share a pond, each thinking that the body of water belongs to him.

Tucked away in a remote stream valley in Vermont, a dynasty of beavers has nearly completed the restoration of the meadows and ponds that adorned this stream in the days before the beavers of a continent were turned into top hats. Willow, Popple, and their progeny begin the night's work of dam repair, scent marking, tree felling until a soft call alerts them to the arrival of the strange honorary member of their clan, this book's author, Patti Smith. They scramble ashore and poke eagerly about her feet as she prepares to picnic and to record the events that transpire on the shores of Popple's Pond. Through the seasons, and through the years, these records-transformed into interwoven vignettes-invite the reader to enter the world of the beavers and the other inhabitants of the wetlands. Meet Terrible Jack the lonely moose, Henri the civilized goose, and the myriad small creatures that populate the night forest. The author, a native of this landscape, brings a naturalist's eye and a compassionate voice to these stories. After three years with the beavers, readers are invited to accompany the author to other worlds where different characters await. Keep this book wherever you have a moment for a short adventure- to follow the trail of a bear cub through the moonlight, enter the low-roofed world of the snowshoe hare, or to stand in the midst of a melee of migrating amphibians. These stories offer respite to those wearied by the barrage of bad news, and a chance to reconnect with the nature that perseveres around us.

Brook trout are native in the Eastern United States and were the most important fly rod gamefish for early anglers, until they were supplanted by nonnative brown and rainbow trout. Today, brook trout are indicators of cold, clean water and healthy ecosystems, and in almost every place they are found, anglers will also find wild country and relative solitude. They have been introduced throughout the Rocky Mountains, where they grow large and abundant. This is the most complete guide to brook trout ever written and not only includes information on tackle and techniques but important conservation information and an in-depth section on top brook trout destinations, from Maine to Argentina. With a foreword by Ted Williams.