Ecology & Natural History Resources for Adults

Adams, L. 1994. Urban Wildlife Habitats: A Landscape Perspective. University of Minnesota Press.
Provides an overview of ecological processes, introduces plant and animal communities of the urban habitat, and wildlife management strategies.

Allaby. M. 1994. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Ecology. New York: Oxford University Press.
A dictionary aiming to explain ecological concepts and terms, and describe ecological processes. Companion dictionaries in botany, natural history, zoology, and earth sciences.

Berenbaum, M.R. 1994. Bugs in the System: Insects and Their Impact on Human Affairs. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
A history of entomology laced with anecdotes about how insects and people have interacted throughout history.

Brodie, J. 1985. Practical Ecology Series. Grassland Studies. London: George Allen & Unwin Publishers.
Excellent chapters, each with 5 or more experiments, on vegetation analysis, animal analysis, decomposition analysis, energy flow, and climatic factors.

Brown, V. 1980. The Amateur Naturalist's Handbook. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
A comprehensive sourcebook for detailed information on botany, ecology, geology, zoology, meteorology, etc. Also contains field activities and experiments.

Collins, M. 1984. Urban Ecology: A Teacher's Resource Book. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
Resource text containing in-depth sections on urban habitats, collecting/sampling/preserving methods, project ideas, I.D. keys and information on a wide variety of urban organisms.

Dowden, A.O. 1972. Wild Green things in the City. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co.
An elegantly illustrated book describing urban plants and their life cycles. Offers species lists for urban plants in three U.S. cities: Los Angeles, New York, and Denver.

Durrell, G. 1982. A Practical Guide for the Amateur Naturalist. New York: Random House.
A good background resource examining 17 different environments from wetlands to deserts to backyards, with hands-on activities.

Feinsinger, P., and M. Minno. Handbook to Schoolyard Plants and Animals of North Central Florida. Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission.
Identification and natural history information on common plants and animals. Has specific sections on interactions each organism has with other organisms, & suggested activity ideas.

Feltwell, J. 1991. Beekeeping: A Practical Guide to Beekeeping in the School Grounds. England: Learning Through Landscapes Trust.
A great primer on the honeybee and beekeeping. Great illustrations and photographs of students working with hives.

Feltwell, J. 1990. Butterflies: A Practical Guide to Their Study in School Grounds via the National Curriculum. England: Learning Through Landscapes Trust.
Basic questions answered about butterflies, with ideas for observation, activities in the schoolyard. European species are noted, but the basic information holds true for all areas.

Feltwell, J. 1991. Slugs, Snails, and Earthworms: A Practical Guide to Their Study in the School Grounds. England: Learning Through Landscapes Trust.
Resource for basic information on form and function of slugs, snails, and earthworms. Great photographs (some European species), and ideas for schoolyard investigations.

Garber, S.D. 1987. The Urban Naturalist. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Chapters devoted to major plant and animal groups, with a focus on the species found in urban areas. Large reference section, and a background chapter on urban ecosystems.

Halfpenny, J., and R.D. Ozanne. 1989. Winter: An Ecological Handbook. Boulder, CO: Johnson Books.
A very complete overview of the research and current understanding of winter; from the physics of snow to animal and plant adaptations, to population fluctuations.

Imes, R. 1992. The Practical Entomologist. New York: Simon and Schuster/Fireside.
Illustrated with great photographs, this book introduces basic entomology then devotes specific chapters to eight major insect orders.

Lawrence, G. 1979. The Beginning Naturalist. Shelburne, VT: The New England Press.
A seasonal approach to wildlife and plants, highlighting various species each season. Background information on many common species and their lifecycles.

Mitchell, J. 1986. The Curious Naturalist. New York: Prentice Hall Press.
Series of one page synopses on seasonal happenings in the natural world. Ideas for activities, too. Hand-lettering and nice illustrations.

Mitchell, J. 1985. A Field Guide to Your Own Backyard. New York: W.W. Norton and Co.
Chronicles the seasons with information about "who's doing what and when" in your backyard.

Sagan, D., and L. Margulis. 1993. Garden of Microbial Delights: A Practical Guide to the Subvisible World. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co.
Comprehensive resource for ages 12 to adult on microbiology - a blend of science, history, and art.

Vessel, M., and H. Wong. 1987. Natural History of Vacant Lots. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Addressing California, but could be applicable to other western states. This book has a general section depicting this urban ecosystem and its seasons, plus descriptions of the local flora and fauna.