Contents
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgments
1. The Landscape
Geologic History
Changing Landscapes Since Glaciation
The Present Landscape
2. Climate and Weather
Solar Radiation
Temperature
Precipitation
Clouds
Wind
Observed Climate Change
3. Principles of Ecology
Environment
Ecosystem Structure and Function
Populations and Communities
4. Deciduous Forest
Deciduous Forest Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Forest Management and Conservation in Minnesota
5. Northern Coniferous Forest
Northern Coniferous Forest Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Present Status of the Northern Coniferous Forest
6. Tallgrass Prairie
Prairie Forest Border
Tallgrass Prairie Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Present Status of the Tallgrass Prairie
7. Wetlands
Prairie Wetlands
Animals and Community Interactions in Prairie Wetlands
Peatlands
Animals and Community Interactions in Peatlands
Other Wetlands Occurring in Minnesota
Present Status of Wetlands
8. Lakes
Formation and Distribution
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Lake Communities
Ecosystem Function
Animals and Community Interactions
Minnesota’s Lakes
Present Status of Minnesota’s Lakes
9. Streams and Rivers
Origins of Streams and Rivers
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Stream Communities
Ecosystem Function
River Continuum Concept
Animals and Community Interactions
Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers
Present Status of Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers
10. The Future
Stemming Habitat Loss
Feeding a Growing Human Population Sustainably
Adapting to a Changing Climate
Reversing the Spread of Invasive Species
Reducing Damaging Chemicals in the Environment
Recovering Threatened Species Populations
Planning Statewide Conservation Action
Restoring Ecosystems
A Perspective to Live With
Appendixes
A. Counties and Major Rivers in Minnesota
B. Trees and Shrubs Found in Minnesota
C. Common Herbs Found in Minnesota
D. Mammals Found in Minnesota
E. Birds Breeding in Minnesota
F. Amphibians and Reptiles Found in Minnesota
G. Fishes Found in Minnesota
H. Metric Equivalents of English Weights and Measures
Literature Cited
Permissions
Index
John R. Tester (19292019) was emeritus professor in the
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of
Minnesota. He was a lifelong scientist and naturalist who witnessed
many changes to Minnesota's ecosystems. He published numerous
articles and research papers on wildlife and ecosystem ecology.
Susan M. Galatowitsch is professor and head of the Department of
Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at the University of
Minnesota. She is author of Ecological Restoration and Restoring
Prairie Wetlands: An Ecological Approach. She and her research team
focus on wetland and grassland restoration and invasive species
management.
Rebecca A. Montgomery is a professor in the Department of Forest
Resources at the University of Minnesota. She started her career as
a tropical biologist before returning to Minnesota. Her research
focuses on forest ecology and tree biology.
John J. Moriarty is senior manager of wildlife for Three Rivers
Park District. He was a natural resources manager for Ramsey County
Parks and Hennepin Parks, as well as a community faculty member at
Metropolitan State University. He has written five books on
Minnesota natural history, including Amphibians and Reptiles in
Minnesota (Minnesota, 2014) and A Field Guide to the Natural World
of the Twin Cities (Minnesota, 2018).
"Anyone with a deep affection for Minnesota’s natural resources, highly seasonal and variable climate, diverse ecosystems, and beautiful landscapes should read the second edition of Minnesota’s Natural Heritage. This book chronicles the evolution of our state’s natural systems and the challenges of sustainably managing them in the context of climate change. It should be part of every home reference library."-Mark Seeley, author of Minnesota Weather Almanac"This second edition of Minnesota's Natural Heritage is just as engaging as the first and is supported with beautiful photos, illustrations, and graphs. But now readers learn of new and serious threats facing Minnesota’s prairies, forests, and waters. Will we restore and protect this natural legacy for future generations? For anyone who cares about nature, this book is a must read."-Peggy Ladner, former director, The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota"Dr. Tester was my favorite professor at the University of Minnesota. I bought his book’s first edition immediately when it came out, and I have waited with anticipation for the update. It does not disappoint. His immense knowledge of ecology and of Minnesota are in full display and in a voice that everyone can understand. Outstanding!"-Tom Landwehr, executive director, Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters"John R. Tester and colleagues’ new edition inspires Minnesotans-and others who appreciate this great state-with information about our precious natural resources, including ways to protect and restore them from long-standing environmental problems and new challenges such as climate change. The book explores each of the biomes in Minnesota, listing the species and ecology one can find there and the ways we can work to restore its glory."-Jessica Hellmann, director, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota "Well organized and infused with amazing photographs of the landscape and wildlife that makes this area so special."-Rochester Post-Bulletin "With lovely photos, illustrations, and tables of information, this is a great book for the cabin owner or traveling summer cabin user to enjoy whether checking a specific topic or settling down with a long read."-Ely Echo"The book takes definitive looks at our landscape, climate and weather, forests, prairie, wet-lands, lakes, streams and rivers. It concludes with important comment on the future of this marvelous state, and how we should care for it."-Star Tribune
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
