There's More Than Mud In A Swamp - In Search of Swampland
Written: Nov 18 '03 (Updated Nov 20 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easily readable, Written with the layperson in Mind, One of the best wetland sourcebooks
Cons: Can we make it waterproof so when I drop it, it's not wet?
The Bottom Line: The Bottom Line fell into some quicksand over there...
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| jps246's Full Review: Ralph W. Tiner - In Search of Swampland: A Wetland... |
Have you ever wondered if there was more behind a swamp then some black muck, ponded water and some frogs?
In Search of Swampland by Ralph Tiner is one of the most comprehensive looks at wetlands and their associated systems. The book has been written with the average person in mind. There is no need for college degree to understand what Tiner is saying, and by the time you finish the book, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an amateur naturalist.
At 243 pages, In Search of Swampland can be a bit intimidating for the first time reader. However the book is set up in such a way to bring the reader through the various disciplines of wetland science easily and in an understandable manner. Starting with the definition of a wetland in Chapter 1, to delineating wetlands in the final chapter, Tiner provides a comprehensive overview of wetland science and wetland delineation.
There are extensive (and quite understandable) tables, diagrams, figures and drawings throughout the book. There is also a color section with various photographs. The book ends with a thorough glossary and bibliography (should you want to study even more). The glossary comes in handy when you come up across words that you are unfamiliar with. Just flip to the back of the book – and voila – you have a definition.
While quite readable as a single unit – each chapter can also be broken out and read separately. Say you need to brush up on soils, read over Chapter 4, or how about functions and values of wetlands? Skip right on over to Chapter 7 and you’ll find out all that you need to know.
A quick overview of the topics reviewed in In Search of Swampland:
Wetland Concept and Definitions
Wetland Hydrology
Wetland Formation and Evolution
Hydric Soils
Hydrophytes and Wetland Plant Communities
Wetland Wildlife
Wetland Function and Values
Wetland Status, Trends, and Protection
Recognizing Wetland Plants
Interpreting Hydric Soils
Identifying Wetland Wildlife
Wetland Identification and Delineation
Saving Our Wetlands
Tiner focuses on Northeastern wetlands (Maine to Maryland and west to Ohio and Kentucky), the concepts in the book are applicable to wetlands anywhere in the country (and in the world for that matter). But while there are some differences in wildlife and plant life, many of the plants and animals discussed in this book, are found in wetlands throughout the country. Therefore, you should not feel put-off by this book if you live outside of the Northeastern U.S – the basic concepts presented will help you better understand wetlands, no matter where you live.
Finally, nothing beats hands-on experience – you should get out into those wetlands as you read through the book – experience and look at the plants, animals and systems you are reading about. It will reinforce the concepts that much more and make you that much better of a naturalist. Anyway, it is fun to get real dirty and muddy.
So if you have ever wondered exactly what a wetland is, what that plant you saw is called, or want to know where a 3-toed salamander lives, check out In Search of Swampland, because it is one of the premier wetland sourcebooks and field guides out there. The book is a great addition to anyone’s collection of natural science books and proves to be invaluable in teaching everyone about the values of wetlands.
From amateurs wet behind the ears, to people who have spent years in wetlands, there is something for everyone in In Search of Swampland.
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Recommended:
Yes
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