The Nature Observer's Handbook: Learning to Appreciate Our Natural World

From looking at the sky in your backyard to distinguishing one type of soil from another, Brainerd (Working with Nature, Nature Study for Conservation covers what a nature explorer needs for physical and mental preparation for long and short trips. Brainerd begins with a chapter on deciding where to go and what to do and then discusses modes of transportation. In addition to detailing the ways of nature, the author highlights cities and towns and pays special attention to the wildlife found there. A chapter on marshes and wetlands becomes technical at times, and the chapter on farms is overly simplified, but all in all this constitutes a charming tribute to the great outdoors. An extensive bibliography is included as well as a suggested reading list for the weary traveler after his return home. Illustrations by the author. (September)