Reveals the natural history of the Puget Sound region. This book begins with a discussion of how the ice ages and vulcanism shaped the land and examines the natural attributes of the region - flora and fauna, climate, special habitats, life histories of key organisms - as they pertain to the ecosystem. It contains over three hundred photographs. Winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award. Bounded on the east by the crest of the Cascade Range and on the west by the lofty east flank of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound terrain includes every imaginable topograhic variety. This thoughtful and eloquent natural history of the Puget Sound region begins with a discussion of how the ice ages and vulcanism shaped the land and then examines the natural attributes of the region―flora and fauna, climate, special habitats, life histories of key organisms―as they pertain to the functioning ecosystem. Mankind's effects upon the natural environment are a pervasive theme of the book. Kruckeberg looks at both positive and negative aspects of human interaction with nature in the Puget basin. By probing the interconnectedness of all natural aspects of one region, Kruckeberg illustrates ecological principles at work and gives us a basis for wise decision-making. The Natural History of Puget Sound Country is a comprehensive reference, invaluable for all citizens of the Northwest, as well as for conservationists, biologists, foresters, fisheries and wildlife personnel, urban planners, and environmental consultants everywhere. Lavishly illustrated with over three hundred photographs and drawings, it is much more than a beautiful book. It is a guide to our future.

Natural history, Natural history Washington (State) Puget Sound Region, Nature Effect of human beings on, Nature Effect of human beings on Washington (State) Puget Sound Region, Washington (State) Puget Sound Region

PrefaceIntroductionThe Lay of the Land: Landforms and Geology of the Puget Sound BasinClimate and WeatherThe Inland SeaMarine Life in Puget SoundLife on Land: Lowland ForestsLakes, "Prairies," and Other Nonforested Lowland HabitatsMontane Natural History of the Puget Sound BasinWater and the Quality of LifeAboriginal Indians in the Puget Sound BasinThe European Impact on Puget CountryAppendix 1: The Naming of Plants and AnimalsAppendix 2: Place Names and Kindred Matters for the Puget BasinAppendix 3: Chronology of Happenings in the Puget Sound Basin and the Pacific NorthwestAppendix 4: Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in WashingtonAppendix 5: Soils of the Puget BasinBibliographyReferences Cited For Further ReadingCreditsIndex

"Second printing, with corrections, 1995. Third printing, 1998"--Title page verso

"Second printing, with corrections, 1995. Third printing, 1998"--Title page verso