The Natural History Of Western Massachusetts By Stan Freeman (2007) Paperback

The Natural History of Western Massachusetts by Stan Freeman (2007) Paperback

This is a comprehensive guide to the natural history of Massachusetts' four western counties, with more than 400 full-color photographs, maps and illustrations. Everything from bears and beavers to snakes and spiders is covered. Learn about the region's geology, its rivers and mountains. Find out how it was formed by the ice age and volcanic activity. Learn about the first human residents. There are charts showing when wildflowers bloom and when butterflies are on the wing. There are checklists of common birds, trees, wildflowers and butterflies. There is also a calendar showing when events in nature happen through the months in the four counties.ReviewOver the years I've acquired several books on hiking, biking, kayaking, etc. ... Many of them are focused on the Northeast, or New England or Southern New England. They are good books, but precious few are dedicated to the Pioneer Valley area exclusively. Its trails, hills, wildlife. The nooks and crannies and beautiful places that only people who live here could know ... I finally came across the book that I'd been imagining, lo these many years ... To quote the cover: "Birds, wildflowers, ice age, trees, dinosaurs, bears, weather, beavers, turtles, butterflies, geology, fish, mountains, deer, frogs, ecosystems." All of it, and more. And easy to read and understand, for us slower kids in the class. Easy concise local information. With brilliant photos, drawings, and graphics ... If you enjoy the valley, you'll enjoy this book. --Tony Mateus, thepioneervalley.blogspot.com