The California Naturalist Handbook, Second Edition.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

De Nevers, Greg.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (283 pages)

Edition:

2nd ed.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, 2025.

Summary:

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, emphasizing 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 color 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.

Contents:

Cover

Title page

Copyright

Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

1. California Natural History and the Role of Naturalists

California's Biodiversity

A Turning Point for Biodiversity

Introduction to Being a Naturalist

Indigenous Perspective and Stewardship

Notable Naturalists

Notebooks and Journals: Essential Records for Naturalists

The Language of Naturalists

Getting Out and About

Explore!

2. Geology, Climate, and Soils

Earth's Formation and Plate Tectonics

Shaping California

Rocks in California

California's Climate

Diversity of California Microclimates

Soil Structure and Nutrients

Nutrient Cycling

Mining in California

3. Water and Watersheds

Scaling Water: From Molecules to Our Environment

The Water Cycle

Watershed Processes

Groundwater

Biological Inputs

Chemical Inputs

Physical Inputs

Estuaries

Intertidal Zone

Wetlands

California's Lakes

California's Freshwater Fish

Rivers Today

California Water Use

California Water Law and Water Equity

Water Challenges for the Present and Future

4. Plants

Lifestyles of Rich and Famous Plants

Parts of a Plant

Plant Communities of California

Decomposition

Plants and People

5. Shrublands, Woodlands, and Forests

History of California Forests and Their Stewardship

Landscape Dynamics

Californians and Wildfire

Fragmentation of Forests

Carbon Sequestration

Rangelands and Livestock Grazing

Conservation Biology

6. Animals

Animal Ecology

Evolutionary Groups

Invertebrates

Vertebrates

Human Activity and Domestic and Introduced Animals

7. Energy and Environmental Issues

Sources of Energy on Earth

The Energetic Basis of Life

Energy Use by People

Global Environmental Challenges.

Explore!

8. Interpretation, Collaboration, and Participatory Science

Interpretation: Why, What, and How

Collaboration and Civic Engagement

Participatory Science

Glossary

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Other Format:

Print version: de Nevers, Greg The California Naturalist Handbook, Second Edition

ISBN:

9780520412729

OCLC:

1528566810