The Natural History of Western Massachusetts - Second edition

This is the second edition of our popular and comprehensive guide to the natural history of Massachusetts' four western counties, with more than 400 full-color photographs, maps and illustrations. Everything from bears and beavers to snakes and spiders is covered. Learn about the region's geology, its rivers and mountains. Find out how it was formed by the ice age and volcanic activity. Learn about the first human residents. There are charts showing when wildflowers bloom and when butterflies are on the wing. There are checklists of common birds, trees, wildflowers and butterflies. There is also a calendar showing when events in nature happen through the months in the four counties.Reviews for first edition in 2007 of "The Natural History of Western Massachusetts."“Over the years I've acquired several books on hiking, biking, kayaking, etc. ... Many of them are focused on the Northeast, or New England or Southern New England. They are good books, but precious few are dedicated to the Pioneer Valley area exclusively. Its trails, hills, wildlife. The nooks and crannies and beautiful places that only people who live here could know ... I finally came across the book that I'd been imagining, lo these many years ... To quote the cover: "Birds, wildflowers, ice age, trees, dinosaurs, bears, weather, beavers, turtles, butterflies, geology, fish, mountains, deer, frogs, ecosystems." All of it, and more. And easy to read and understand, for us slower kids in the class. Easy concise local information. With brilliant photos, drawings, and graphics ... If you enjoy the valley, you'll enjoy this book.” – Tony Mateus, thepioneervalley.blogspot.com“This book, filled with color photos on just about every page, is both enjoyable to read and educational, a combination that should help it find an audience of diverse ages and interests … Presented in a style that's accessible to young readers.” – The Daily Hampshire GazetteNOTE: As anyone would expect, there is much overlap between "The Natural History of Western Massachusetts" and "The Natural History of Easteern Massachusetts." Since birds, butterflies, bobcats and beavers do not recognize county and state lines, many articles in the two books contain photos, illustrations and general information about species and natural processes that are identical in each half of the state. However, each article in the two books is tailored to its half of the state when appropriate. Read more