The Sierra Club Guide to the Natural Areas of California This invaluable sourcebook for the first time makes available detailed information about more than 200 natural areas in California, including federal and state parks and the public domain, where one can go to enjoy quiet, uncrowded, natural beauty. While 95% of the travelers nationwide crowd into 5% of the available parks and recreation areas, literally scores of little-known wilderness sites in California await the outdoor enthusiast. Sites are listed alphabetically within 9 geographic zones, each entry offering a wealth of detail, including: -- Location: directions from the closest town or highway, and adjacent wilderness areas -- Physical descriptions: acreage, outstanding natural features, points of special interest, typical weather patterns -- Wildlife: birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians -- Flora: major plant species -- Recreation: camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, skiing and ski touring, horse riding, bicycling, hunting, boating, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing -- Resources: park headquarters and ranger districts, including addresses and phone numbers, guidebooks, visitor centers -- Easy reference: symbols tell at a glance the recreational opportunities for each site California boasts of 1,340 miles of coastline, rugged mountain ranges including the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range, vast deserts, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a staggering 40 million acres of forest land. Based on original research and on-site surveys, this unique guide opens the state's outdoor resources to all who yearn to discover them. "Authors John and Jane Perry want to take you away from fresh-airjunk food, those well-publicized state parks and trails seemingly bush-deep with tourists and campers."

In straightforward text complemented by step-by-step illustrations, dozens of exercises lead the hand and mind through creating accurate reproductions of plants and animals as well as landscapes, skies, and more. Laws provides clear, practical advice for every step of the process for artists at every level, from the basics of choosing supplies to advanced techniques.

The latest volume in this popular series covers 350 natural areas throughout New England, including state and national parks, forests and wildlife preserves, and lands in the public domain--a treasure trove offering visitors unique opportunities for enjoying nature. Illustrated.

This comprehensive and authoritative guide to the natural and cultural resources of California's magnificent 1,100-mile coastline is the companion to the best-selling California Coastal Access Guide. Whereas the Access Guide stressed public access to the California coast, the Resource Guide focuses on the rich and varied natural resources of the coast and its diverse habitats, including detailed descriptions of flora and fauna; the Guide also features accounts of the history of the coast, and includes numerous striking and informative drawings, photographs, and maps. Part One consists of sections of statewide interest divided into three categories: the first is coastal geography, which includes descriptions of coastal mountains, rivers, marine terraces, beaches, wetlands, nearshore waters, and the open ocean; the second is living resources, covering the flora and fauna of the coast; and the third is cultural resources, treating history, architecture, recreation, and economy, including such topics as parks and beaches, recreational fishing, amusement parks, lighthouses, offshore oil, tourism, agriculture, and other coastal industries. Part Two is composed of individual sections on each of California's coastal counties, as well as San Francisco Bay, the Farallon Islands, and the Channel Islands. This portion of the book includes 150 maps, lists of species of interest, a summary of each county's history, and site-by-site descriptions of parks, beaches, rivers, wetlands, coastal towns and cities, missions, museums, and other coastal resources; detailed information on the habitats, wildlife, and history of each site are included, as well as its address, and, where applicable, the phone number. Copiously illustrated, accessible, and above all, entertaining, this book is an indispensable reference guide for residents and vacationers as well as a fun book to browse in for anyone interested in California's coast.

Award-winning author, naturalist, and conservationist Tim Palmer presents the world of California rivers in this practical and inspiring field guide. Loaded with tips on where to hike, fish, canoe, kayak, and raft, it offers an interpretive approach that reveals geology, plant and wild life, hydrologic processes, and other natural phenomena. Palmer reports on conservation with a perspective from decades of personal engagement. More than 150 streams are featured, 50 riparian species are illustrated, and 180 photos show the essence of California’s rivers. Palmer brings a natural history guide, a recreation guide, and an introduction to river ecology together in one illuminating volume; it belongs in every river lover’s book collection, boat, and backpack.

Covers 200 natural areas including parks, forests, and wildlife preserves, and lands in the public domain.