In 'Petrified Forest National Monument, Arizona', Dama Margaret Smith provides a comprehensive guide to the geological wonders found in this unique natural landscape. Through a blend of scientific observation and poetic description, Smith delves into the formation and preservation of the petrified wood that makes this area famous. Her writing style is both informative and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the prehistoric world that once existed here. The book not only serves as a guide for visitors to the monument but also as a work of literature that captures the mystique of the American Southwest. Dama Margaret Smith, a renowned geologist and nature writer, brings a wealth of expertise to her exploration of the Petrified Forest National Monument. Her passion for the natural world and commitment to environmental conservation shine through in her vivid descriptions and insightful analysis of the geological processes at work in this ancient landscape. Smith's background in earth science and her deep connection to the land make her an authoritative voice on the subject. I highly recommend 'Petrified Forest National Monument, Arizona' to anyone interested in geology, natural history, or the beauty of the American landscape. Smith's book is a must-read for both scholars and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a rich blend of scientific knowledge and literary craftsmanship that will deepen your appreciation for this extraordinary place.

Petrified Forest National Park in Northeast Arizona was set aside in 1906 by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt to protect the scientifically important Mesozoic forests. With a boundary encompassing 225,000 acres, the park protects not only the largest and most colorful deposits of petrified wood in the world but also significant archeological and ecological resources and other important fossils, like the oldest dinosaurs in North America. The park has been a crossroads for travelers and a destination for scientists, including Albert Einstein and John Muir. As a work site of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the only national park crossed by the famous Route 66, and a centerpiece of the National Park Service's Mission 66 initiative, Petrified Forest National Park has a history that rivals that of more familiar national parks.