Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas by Charles Fergus ISBN: 0-8117-2038-1 Publisher: Stackpole Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Well Off the Beaten Path in PA
Comment: This is a very enjoyable and informative guide to the 61 natural areas in Pennsylvania, which are usually far from the beaten path of the cities, major highways, and even well-known hiking trails. Fergus spent a whole year personally exploring every one of these areas, and proves it with his first-hand descriptions. Therefore this book is based on real experience, and was not written by someone who has never been to the places they're writing about (such as the error-prone Longstreet Highroad Guide to the Pennsylvania Mountains, which I can't totally recommend). As an extensive hiker in PA myself, I've been to some of these natural areas and can attest to Fergus' accuracy. He focuses on the flora, fauna, and topography of these natural areas, and tips on how to get to the more remote ones that may not even be accessible by trail, all in lively prose that walks the fine line between poetic and overly sentimental. Fergus tends to avoid the bad news on some of these areas, especially pollution, which would make the chapters on Little Tinicum Island (near Philly) and Sheets Island Archipelago (almost within sight of Three Mile Island) more informative; plus the complete absence of maps is a problem for the larger natural areas. But still, this book greatly succeeds in making the outdoorsy Pennsylvania fan yearn to visit these hidden secrets.
Rating: 5
Summary: The quieter, wilder alternatives to busy state parks
Comment: The landscape of Pennsylvania has endured such intensive logging, mining, and urbanization over the years that it's a wonder any wild places still exist within its borders. But they do, and Charles Fergus has hiked in all 61 of them. The natural areas he's talking about here are located in state forests and have few recreational amenities, so they're open only to foot traffic. Habitats range from the tidal waters around Little Tinicum Island in the Delaware River to the forested crest and tower at the top of Mount Davis in Somerset County, the highest point in the Commonwealth. Many of these areas gained governmental protection within our lifetime, and I'm sure other natives will learn about sites they never heard of before. Basic road atlases don't usually acknowledge these places. Fergus provides detailed directions for access, writes about the uniqueness of each site, and recommends the best seasons for visits. His commentary is accompanied by black and white photos and may include smatterings of geology, history, anthropology, botany, and zoology. Wildlife ranges from bears and bobcats to salamanders and the tiny critters they feast on. There are bird migration routes, sites for butterfly aficionados, many tall trees and rare plants. A path falls onto land where chips of indigenous tools can still be found, and another turns onto a trail made more recently by an illegal all-terrain vehicle. A map, list of resources, and list of forestry addresses contribute to the usefulness of this guide. Scanning just a few pages will have you reaching for your boots and daypack in no time.
 |
Title: Trees of Pennsylvania and the Northeast by Charles Fergus ISBN: 0811720926 Publisher: Stackpole Books Pub. Date: September, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
 |
Title: Backroads of Pennsylvania: Your Guide to Pennsylvania's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures by Marcus Schneck, Glenn Davis ISBN: 0896585506 Publisher: Voyageur Press Pub. Date: June, 2003 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
 |
Title: Wildlife of Pennsylvania and the Northeast by Charles Fergus, Amelia Hansen ISBN: 0811728994 Publisher: Stackpole Books Pub. Date: September, 2000 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
 |
Title: Birds Of Pennsylvania Field Guide by Stan Tekiela ISBN: 1885061765 Publisher: Adventure Publications Pub. Date: 15 April, 2000 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
 |
Title: Pennsylvania Overlooks: A Guide for Sightseers and Outdoor People (Keystone Books) by Art Michaels ISBN: 0271022310 Publisher: Pennsylvania State Univ Pr (Trd) Pub. Date: February, 2003 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
