"A long-overdue and much-needed identification manual for the tree snails of Florida, one of the most exquisite creatures in the natural realm."--Fred G. Thompson, Florida Museum of Natural History "This new book will introduce the novice and expert alike to a wealth of new and fascinating information on one of the most colorful and variable animal species in the world. Anyone interested in the natural history of South Florida and the Florida Keys will want to have a copy of this well-illustrated and most comprehensive work."--Thomas C. Emmel, University of Florida Some of the most beautiful and vivid shells in the world are found not on the beaches but in the trees of South Florida. This colorfully illustrated book offers for the first time a comprehensive survey of these rare snails and their shells, as well as their biology, natural history, evolution, and ecology. Shells of the Liguus fasciatus tree snails display a stunning rainbow of colors, from pink, powder blue, and deep orange to chestnut and black, in patterns ranging from subtle to complex. Fifty-nine named color forms exist, and there are distinct variations within many of the forms. The author identifies all the various forms and their localities in this book. Color photographs of some 300 brilliantly hued shells illustrate the text. The migration and interbreeding of the Liguus fasciatus, including the many varieties that appear in only one defined habitat such as Matecumbe Key or Key Vaca, are described. This remarkable compilation of available information on these snails contains abundant reference material for scientists, but it is written in an informal style that will appeal to shell aficionados and amateur naturalists alike. Enthusiasts also will be interested to learn that the shells can be seen on walks through the forests of Everglades National Park and the hammocks of the Pinecrest area, and even from the road in several places in the Keys. Henry T. Close is director of the Milton H. Erickson Institute in Atlanta. He is the author of Metaphor in Psychotherapy (1999) and a lifetime collector and student of Liguus snails.

Offers a guide to the wildlife and natural areas of the Everglades, the Florida Keys, and other South Florida natural environments.

PREFACE Within the Florida Everglades, tree islands, which cover only a small percentofthis ecosystem, historically have provided essential habitat for a wide variety ofterrestrial and amphibious plants, birds, and animals. These tree islands, however, have been one ofits least studied features. Because of their less flood tolerant vegetation, tree islands are one ofthe most sensitive components ofthe Everglades to changes in hydrology, and many tree islands have been lost during periods when water levels have been abnormally high or low. Their sensitivity to water level changes makes tree islands potentially one ofthe best and surest measures ofthe overall hydrologic health of the Everglades. Consequently, the maintenance of healthy, functioning tree islands and the restoration ofthose that have been lost will be an important performance measures that will be used tojudge the success ofthe Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). A symposium, Tree Islands ofthe Everglades, was held on July 14 and 15, 1998 at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. It was sponsored by Florida Center for Environmental Studies and the South Florida WaterManagement District. This was the first scientific meeting ever devoted to tree islands. The organizers of this symposium were Drs. Arnold van der Valk, Florida Center for Environmental Studies and Iowa State University, Fred Sklar, South Florida Water Management District, and Wiley Kitchens, United States Geological Survey.

For centuries, the southernmost region of the Florida peninsula was seen by outsiders as wild and inaccessible, one of the last frontiers in the quest to understand and reveal the natural history of the continent. Seeking the American Tropics tells the stories of the explorers and adventurers who—for better and for worse—helped open the unique environment of South Florida to the world. Beginning with the arrival of Juan Ponce de León in 1513, James Kushlan describes how most of the famous Spanish explorers never made it to South Florida, leaving the area’s rich natural history out of scientific records for the next 250 years. It wasn’t until the British colonial and early American periods that the first surveyors were commissioned and the first naturalists—Titian Peale and John James Audubon—arrived to collect, draw, and report the subtropical flora and fauna that were so unique to North America. Moving into the railroad era, Kushlan illuminates the activities of scientists such as Henry Nehrling and Charles Torrey Simpson alongside the dabbling of wealthy amateur naturalists. He follows the story to the 1920s, when tourism was flourishing and signs of ecological damage were starting to show. Years of wildlife trade, resource extraction, invasive species introduction, and swamp drainage had taken their toll. And many of the naturalists who had been outspoken about protecting South Florida’s environment had also played a part in its destruction. Today the region is among one of the most thoroughly studied places on the planet—but at a cost. In this absorbing and cautionary tale, Kushlan illustrates how exploration has so often trumped conservation throughout history. He exposes how much of the natural world we have already lost in this vivid portrait of the Florida of yesterday.

Get inspired and get ready to hit the road with the ultimate guide to America's best RV road trips! Inside Moon USA RV Adventures you’ll find: 25 flexible RV trip itineraries: Gear up for any adventure with road trip loops, ideas for side trips, and strategies for linking routes together The best routes for national parks, historic sites, natural wonders, beaches, and pet-friendly destinations Can't-miss stops from coast to coast: Camp on the beach in the Florida Keys, follow the ruts on the historic Oregon Trail, and wildlife-watch in Yellowstone. Hike in Acadia with your four-legged friend, take in the colorful wind-swept vistas of the Badlands, and enjoy mountain-peak views with your morning cup of coffee in Colorado Delicious local flavors: From lobster rolls to Key lime pie to the red and green chiles of the Southwest, taste your way across the country—whether you dine in restaurants or your RV kitchen Expert advice from seasoned RV-ers Bonnie and Grant Sinclair Comprehensive planning resources: Easy-to-use maps that highlight where you can (and can’t) drive an RV, nearby grocery stores for each campground, plus tips for health and safety on the road, navigating weather conditions, RV-ing with pets, and minimizing your environmental impact along the way Gorgeous, full-color photos and a fold-out map RV basics and essential tips like how to pack, how to pick campgrounds, types of RVs, renting an RV, and more From scenic drives and epic hikes to tranquil campground stops, make your home on the road with Moon USA RV Adventures. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.