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The California Naturalist Handbook, Second Edition

Brief Description
The go-to guide to California's natural history, now updated with fresh insights on stewardship for a changing climate and diverse naturalist perspectives. The California Naturalist Handbook offers a fun, science-based introduction to California's natural history, emphasising observation, discovery, communication, and stewardship. This accessible guidebook explores geology,... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$6699
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The go-to guide to California's natural history, now updated with fresh insights on stewardship for a changing climate and diverse naturalist perspectives.

The California Naturalist Handbook offers a fun, science-based introduction to California's natural history, emphasising observation, discovery, communication, and stewardship. This accessible guidebook explores geology, native plants and animals, freshwater resources, forest and rangeland resources, conservation biology, and the effects of pressing environmental issues. Aspiring naturalists will learn how to keep a nature journal, practice participatory science, and improve ecosystem resilience.

Used statewide for the California Naturalist Program, this updated edition includes:

  • Updated overview of California's unique ecosystems and plant and animal communities
  • Expanded discussions of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship
  • Contributions by diverse naturalist leaders including women, Indigenous peoples, and naturalists of colour
  • A deeper dive into southern California's urban and desert ecologies
  • Current climate change information, including fire and forest management, drought, flooding and groundwater issues, and recognition of climate grief
  • Higher quality images showing a more diverse range of habitats

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780520412712

Publisher: University of California Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 September 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: University of California Press

Edition: 2nd edition

Illustration: 72 color figures, 8 maps, 1 table

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Greg de Nevers is an ecologist and botanist with broad geographical experience and a love for communicating the stories of science to the public.Β Β 
Β 
Deborah Stanger Edelman is a cofounder of the California Naturalist Program and has over 30Β years of experience working in natural resource restoration, conservation, and education programs.Β 
Β 
AdinaΒ Merenlender is an internationally recognized conservation biologist andΒ Professor of Cooperative Extension in Conservation Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

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