A Field Guide to the Natural World of the Twin Cities
Buy two copies of this book. One for yourself, the other a gift.
Wear it out. Mark pages, write notes (space provided), underline, fold back corners, stick a couple of book marks inside to save favorites.
Here is proof that you need not go beyond the boundaries of the metro area to find new and exciting natural places to visit, and fascinating to see.
Author John J. Moriarity has divided the book into landscape sections — prairie, savannah, Big Woods, Oak woods, wetlands and marshes and swamps, fens and bogs, lakes, rivers, urban and suburban. Examples of what you can find in each are given. It's an eclectic variety.
He finds special places everywhere, then sharp-focuses on the plants and animals to meet there. All are illustrated with excellent photographs taken by Siah St. Claire.
Moriarity is senior manager of wildlife for the Three Rivers Park District. The book's dust jacket describes him as a"genial expert on the remarkable diversity of plants and animals in the region's habitats." That's perfect.
St. Claire formerly was director of Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley for 35 years. His photos give tightly focused attention to all subjects.
