Tom Wessels Livres

An intrepid sleuth and articulate tutor, Wessels teaches us to read a landscape the way we might solve a mystery. What exactly is the meaning of all those stone walls in the middle of the forest? Why do beech and birch trees have smooth bark when the bark of all other northern species is rough? How do you tell the age of a beaver pond and determine if beavers still live there? Why are pine trees dominant in one patch of forest and maples in another? What happened to the American chestnut? Turn to this book for the answers, and no walk in the woods will ever be the same.

Exploring the unique and fragile ecosystems of North America's granite summit balds, this book combines history, geology, and biology with personal narrative. It highlights the slow evolution of these landscapes and the contemporary threats they face from human activity. Richly illustrated with dramatic photographs and detailed illustrations, it brings to life the diverse flora and fauna of these regions, including notable parks like Acadia and Yosemite. The text is both informative and accessible, making it a compelling read for nature enthusiasts.