Reading the Forested Landscape: a Natural History of New England Length

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Sep 02, 2014 Connie G rated it information technology was amazing

Ecologist Tom Wessels is a master sleuth who investigates the changes in the forests of New England. Fires, logging, pasturing, beavers, insects, fungus, weather, topography and substrate all leave a stamp on the woods moving picture. Etchings by Brian D. Cohen illustrate the forest scenes discussed. Most chapters also have "a look dorsum" section where interesting facts about glaciers, Native Americans, colonial history, historic hurricanes, and more than are featured. The last chapter tells of Wessels' con Ecologist Tom Wessels is a master sleuth who investigates the changes in the forests of New England. Fires, logging, pasturing, beavers, insects, mucus, conditions, topography and substrate all leave a stamp on the forest motion picture. Etchings past Brian D. Cohen illustrate the forest scenes discussed. Virtually chapters also have "a look dorsum" section where interesting facts about glaciers, Native Americans, colonial history, historic hurricanes, and more are featured. The terminal chapter tells of Wessels' concerns about the effects of global warming, and atmospheric deposition of acids, heavy metals, ozones, and pesticides. This fascinating volume will help me wait at the forest with new eyes. Highly recommended! ...more

Jan 25, 2016 billyskye rated it it was amazing

I've read some great books over the years. Books that have entertained me. Books that have informed me. Books that have moved me. Some to loftier orders of magnitude. Yet, elusive has been the experience of which I tin can claim – entirely absent-minded of effusive smarm – to have witnessed, almost in real-time, a distinct reorganization of the foundational manner in which I approach a subject. That rare piece of writing which adds some semblance of grounding to all those wearied phrases: "heed bending," "l I've read some great books over the years. Books that take entertained me. Books that have informed me. Books that accept moved me. Some to high orders of magnitude. Yet, elusive has been the experience of which I can claim – entirely absent of effusive smarm – to have witnessed, almost in real-fourth dimension, a distinct reorganization of the foundational manner in which I approach a discipline. That rare slice of writing which adds some semblance of grounding to all those exhausted phrases: "mind bending," "life irresolute," etc. James Ferguson's work e'er comes to mind in this regard. Possibly Richard Wright's Native Son too.

For anyone who has spent any amount of fourth dimension in or around woodlands, Reading the Forested Landscape is certain to induce a similar sense of awe. Through incredibly accessible and economized text, Tom Wessels manages to transform the natural biome of New England from a piecemeal collection of largely disregarded organisms and structures into a scenic tapestry full of movement and history. Each chapter begins with the etching of a item "scene" and so does marvelous work in giving the reader the acceptable mindset, tools, and context needed to brainstorm learning how to interact with the land and sleuth through the subtle patterns engraved in the natural earth to uncover the mysteries of the forest.

Mr. Wessels' says the ultimate goal of his project is to exit the reader with "reverence, respect, a sense of inclusion, and accountability" regarding the landscape of the areas they call dwelling house. I call back you'd exist hard pressed to find anyone who came abroad from this book not feeling just so.

Five stars.

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Jun 28, 2018 Karima rated it it was amazing

I don't alive in New England and, beingness an urban dweller and disinclined to have long machine rides to get to a wood, spend little fourth dimension in the woods. However, reading this book has significantly contradistinct how I perceive/interact with the world effectually me.
So much history is available to us in copse, vegetation and the land itself. This volume guides us through/into information technology. It is generous with very well-executed, simple etchings accompanied past articulate explanations of what is depicted.
If one were to give this bo I don't alive in New England and, beingness an urban dweller and disinclined to take long auto rides to get to a forest, spend little time in the woods. Nevertheless, reading this book has significantly altered how I perceive/interact with the world around me.
So much history is bachelor to us in trees, vegetation and the land itself. This volume guides u.s. through/into information technology. It is generous with very well-executed, simple etchings accompanied by clear explanations of what is depicted.
If one were to requite this book a theme, information technology would be "Connectedness". Connecting pieces and patterns, giving u.s. a broader and deeper understanding of our earth, its history, and possibly, its future. ...more than

Nov 06, 2019 Karen rated it it was amazing

What an absolute gem of a read, jam packed with wonderful pearls of knowledge in so many areas.

Feb 06, 2021 Joseph Reiner rated it information technology was amazing

This had been sitting on my bookshelf for almost a twelvemonth and was first on my list of books to read in one case I graduated higher.

Tom Wessels paints an intimate portrait of New England's forests while still managing to inject enough scientific rigor into his analyses of wood scenes to render this publication firmly in the realm of academia. Each affiliate focuses on a specific type of disturbance (fire, logging, blowdowns, etc.), the telltale signs for deciphering one from another, and concludes with h

This had been sitting on my bookshelf for almost a yr and was first on my list of books to read one time I graduated college.

Tom Wessels paints an intimate portrait of New England's forests while still managing to inject plenty scientific rigor into his analyses of wood scenes to return this publication firmly in the realm of academia. Each affiliate focuses on a specific type of disturbance (fire, logging, blowdowns, etc.), the telltale signs for deciphering 1 from another, and concludes with historical insight that led to the forest weather condition we get to enjoy today. The bodily layout of the book is fix methodically and he manages to pigment in, with broad strokes, the importance of our forests while leaving us with much to contemplate facing the loss of these natural treasures. What he says is poignant, crucial, and still applicable 20+ years on; it's certainly given me a lot to talk about on hikes with friends.

...more than

Jul 22, 2012 Ballad rated it it was amazing

This was a fascinating book, lent to me by my friend Fred (cheers Fred!). Every bit I read it I kept thinking "at present where was this volume when I was in my environmental classes in college?" We oftentimes take the countryside and woods flora for granted when we walk through them. Non in the sense that we don't appreciate them, simply we don't stop to inquire ourselves "why these particular plants here?" That's the question I've asked myself since taking Bill Niering'south classes all those years ago. Reading Wessels' book has This was a fascinating volume, lent to me by my friend Fred (thanks Fred!). As I read it I kept thinking "now where was this book when I was in my ecology classes in college?" We often take the countryside and woods flora for granted when we walk through them. Not in the sense that nosotros don't appreciate them, only nosotros don't terminate to ask ourselves "why these detail plants here?" That'south the question I've asked myself since taking Bill Niering's classes all those years ago. Reading Wessels' book has provided me with a refresher course, as well every bit giving me several new tips and tricks. I knew virtually such things equally "cradles and pillows" (depressions and mounds on the woods floor indicating past tree blowdowns, the depressions being created as the root mass is pulled from the ground, and the mounds formed after as all that organic affair decays), and "wolf trees" (large openly branched trees side by side to stone walls, which in one case served as shade trees to browsing livestock in adjacent pastureland). New to me was information about how to read basal tree scars - bear witness of burn down when on the uphill side of a gradient (the side on which leaf litter collects, thus providing fuel for a hotter fire), and evidence of logging when institute on facing tree trunks (log skidders scarring the trees as they pass by).

The format of the book is unique, and extremely well-suited to its purpose. Wessels begins each cryptically named chapter with an carving of a wood scene (past Brain Cohen), some of which portray actual sites, some of which are idealized. He and then leads the reader through the procedure of sussing out what factors are most likely responsible for these trees and shrubs in this location. Finally, he rounds out the affiliate with a historical discussion of the particular disturbance gene (fire, current of air storms, human interaction, etc.) under word.

Wessels has since written an associated field guide (Forest Forensics), complete with dichotomous key, even! (Those of a sure age may remember "Choose Your Ain Run a risk" books - if y'all want "10" to happen, turn to page 22; if you want "Z" to happen, turn to page 47. At the end of that folio you are presented with another choice - etc., etc. That's how a dichotomous key works). This manner, the next time you're walking in the forest, you can whip out your field guide and attempt to figure out on your own the history of the forest yous're walking through. I've already ordered myself a re-create!

Annotation: Even though Wessels has written the book specifically for central New England and the species that typically grow there, much of the data is pertinent for southern and northern New England equally well - though of grade I would love it if there were a similar volume for CT and RI!)

...more

Nov eleven, 2012 Thomas rated information technology it was amazing

Recommends it for: Any New Englander who loves to walk in the woods.

Recommended to Thomas by: Philip Werner

I am so excited almost this book.
Offset of all, information technology straight applies to where I alive- on the Maine coast, at the northern farthermost of the map at the front of the book. As I sit at my dinner table, I view 180 degrees of such a forested landscape.
The book is ingenious.
It introduces the idea of wood "disturbance histories", such every bit fires, logging, diseases, and the climatic changes in this surface area for the past several thousand years. Each of the 7 chapters focuses on a unmarried type of disturbance I am so excited virtually this book.
First of all, it straight applies to where I live- on the Maine declension, at the northern extreme of the map at the forepart of the book. As I sit at my dinner table, I view 180 degrees of such a forested landscape.
The book is ingenious.
It introduces the idea of woods "disturbance histories", such as fires, logging, diseases, and the climatic changes in this area for the by several thousand years. Each of the seven capacity focuses on a single blazon of disturbance history. The first page of each chapter is a black and white hand drawn illustration past artist Brian Cohen that depicts the specific type of disturbance ( e.g., beaver activeness). The author then selects specific visual features from the picture and then frames them as successive clues that assist the reader in identifying the history of the landscape.
The "Abandonment" chapter lays out the natural history of the beaver against the backdrop of European discover in the early 1600's in masterful form, in but 12 pages. Information technology fabricated me want to walk to a nearby beaver dam to verify the clues that would date the age of that mammal habitat.
I can't look to get out for a walk today and play "forest Columbo", and deepen my understanding of these forests that are a part of me. I already bought my own copy, and I haven't purchased whatsoever books in months. ...more

Aug 04, 2012 Kayla rated information technology really liked it

This is a must-read for anyone who spends time in the wood. The book teaches you how to be a forest sleuth and ascertain the history....logging, glacial, bane, etc of a particular stand of trees. The author writes in a style that is engaging and informative. In the end, you realize that you want to morally sign upwards to exist a warden of New England's greatest resource:

"I am not just a tourist passing through, only a role of the mural--a partner in its dialogue. Through this relationship I con

This is a must-read for anyone who spends time in the forest. The volume teaches you how to be a forest sleuth and define the history....logging, glacial, blight, etc of a detail stand of copse. The writer writes in a way that is engaging and informative. In the finish, you lot realize that yous want to morally sign upwards to be a warden of New England'south greatest resources:

"I am not but a tourist passing through, but a function of the landscape--a partner in its dialogue. Through this relationship I continue to gain respect and reverence for the state, its history, its changes, and its well-being."

Astonishing book!

...more

Oct 16, 2011 Carl Williams rated it it was amazing

This is a wonderful book; it contains much of the information that your grandfather would tell you if you were out tromping in the woods with him. Each chapter begins with an illustration of a typical scene in the woods in this role of the world and than dissects it, explaining what happened or might have happened to go far then. It's language is a chip abstruse for the 9th graders I look at it with, but it brims with content. Good stuff.
This is a wonderful book; information technology contains much of the information that your grandfather would tell you if you lot were out tromping in the woods with him. Each chapter begins with an illustration of a typical scene in the woods in this role of the world and than dissects it, explaining what happened or might have happened to arrive and so. It's linguistic communication is a bit abstract for the ninth graders I expect at it with, but information technology brims with content. Skillful stuff. ...more

Apr 05, 2009 Short rated it really liked it

Curious about the minutiae of local patch of woods? This book is for yous. Part Sherlock Holmes, part Bill McKibben, part Heart for Land Use Estimation. Larn how much of New England'due south rural mural was shaped past xxx years of "sheep fever" from 1810-1840. Curious about the minutiae of local patch of woods? This volume is for yous. Part Sherlock Holmes, part Pecker McKibben, part Center for Country Use Interpretation. Learn how much of New England's rural landscape was shaped by xxx years of "sheep fever" from 1810-1840. ...more

Jul 01, 2012 Mara rated it it was amazing

This volume has forever changed the way I see the forest around me- glacial erratics, age discontinuities- everything I learned from this book 10 years ago (back at the Mount School) makes every moment I spend outdoors richer!

Sep 07, 2016 Mallory rated it it was amazing

I had to read this volume for grade. It is a great read for anyone, but it should be required reading for whatever aspiring conservationist.

May 21, 2017 Alan Mills rated it really liked it

This Spring, we spent a calendar week in the Great Smokie Mount National Park. As we hiked the ought he forest, I had repeated questions about the environmental: how long does it take for a fallen tree to decompose? We're trees with elevated roots fugitive moisture soil, or did their up used to exist something under them? Why were then many trees down is a particular surface area?

This book seeks to answer these sorts of questions. It uses a series of etchings of forests to lead the reader though the diverse disruptions that south

This Spring, we spent a week in the Great Smokie Mountain National Park. Equally we hiked the ought he forest, I had repeated questions nigh the ecology: how long does it have for a fallen tree to decompose? We're trees with elevated roots avoiding wet soil, or did their upwardly used to be something under them? Why were so many copse down is a detail area?

This book seeks to answer these sorts of questions. It uses a series of etchings of forests to pb the reader though the various disruptions that shape forests: human is responsible for two: logging, and clearance for pastures; beavers ALS dramatically affect their environment, both by creating lakes, and past cutting downwardly good tasting trees to build their dams. In addition, burn, insects/fungus, and wind storms have all had huge impacts.

The book focuses on the key New England forests...but many of the concepts utilize to US forests more than more often than not. What I found peculiarly fascinating is how limited our perspective is. Nosotros think of "virgin forests," just there really is nothing of the sort. Of the last 100,000 years, much of the time much of the northern Usa was covered by huge glaciers. Until 12,000 years ago, virtually all of New England (and all of Illinois) were covered in thousands of feet of water ice. It wasn't until about 5,000 years agone that trees began to repopulate the area....and there is evidence that starting then, indigenous people began to actively manage the forests, largely through controlled burns. It wasn't until three,000 years ago that the mix of trees nosotros see today had populated the region. Then in the 1700's, the British started cutting large straight pines, for ship masts, and by the early on 1800's, huge numbers of sheep had been introduced (which is why almost of the stone walls you run into remnants of today were congenital). The sheep were give past the late 1800's, and trees began to recolonize the pastures. And then in the early 1900's, hemlock and and so, a little later, elm became decimated past disease.

In sum, the thought that there is some static country in which the nation's forests could be termed "virgin" is mythical.

Fascinating read for anyone who wants to look more than deeply into the forests they are walking through.

...more

Nov 29, 2017 James rated information technology it was astonishing

This is one of several books that I accept sometimes assigned in my class on land protection, along with the more management-oriented Thoreau'southward Country by David Foster.

Elegant drawings and clear prose guide Wessels' reader to understand the sticks, stones, soils, and streams encountered during whatever hike in New England woods. When I start read the book, in fact, I recognized many of the lessons from walks in the Vermont forest that I had taken with a National Park Service ranger who had studied with

This is one of several books that I have sometimes assigned in my class on land protection, forth with the more management-oriented Thoreau's Country by David Foster.

Elegant drawings and clear prose guide Wessels' reader to understand the sticks, stones, soils, and streams encountered during any hike in New England woods. When I kickoff read the volume, in fact, I recognized many of the lessons from walks in the Vermont woods that I had taken with a National Park Service ranger who had studied with Wessels.

Despite the loss of forest to suburban sprawl in some parts of New England, the region overall has several times more forest than it did in the 19th Century. Throughout New England, we find forests that await at first like remnants that somehow avoided existence used past humans. Wessels describes how to translate clues to a much more complex history of homo interaction with the land.

...more

Aug 11, 2019 Louise rated it it was amazing

This was a very interesting book, and gear up a little differently than I expected. Past using several black and white etchings, the author fabricated a "how-to" book on recognizing forest disturbances. I really liked the organization as well, with each affiliate focusing on a dissimilar blazon of disturbance and so delving into the history of that disturbance in the New England forest (eastward.g. burn). The history piece might not be equally interesting to people with no interest in New England forests, only the princi This was a very interesting book, and prepare up a little differently than I expected. By using several black and white etchings, the author made a "how-to" volume on recognizing forest disturbances. I really liked the arrangement as well, with each chapter focusing on a dissimilar type of disturbance and so delving into the history of that disturbance in the New England forest (e.chiliad. fire). The history piece might non be every bit interesting to people with no interest in New England forests, but the principles would apply to whatsoever wood. I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in what they can learn through a walk through the forest -- fifty-fifty people who aren't generally knowledgable almost plants. ...more

Jun 20, 2019 Bill Ibelle rated it really liked information technology

"Fascinating read if you want to understand understand the forest you're hiking through on your fashion to those mountaintop views. Wessels approaches his chore like a forensic scientist, searching for clues the forest disturbances and evolution that way a criminal pathologist searches for clues at a criminal offence scene. There is an abundance of fun facts about wood evolution, environmental threats, and the fashion forests accept evolved in the face of human management and abuse. My favorite parts were the histo "Fascinating read if you desire to sympathize sympathise the woods y'all're hiking through on your way to those mountaintop views. Wessels approaches his task like a forensic scientist, searching for clues the wood disturbances and evolution that way a criminal pathologist searches for clues at a crime scene. There is an abundance of fun facts well-nigh wood evolution, ecology threats, and the way forests take evolved in the confront of man management and abuse. My favorite parts were the historical sections at the end of each chapter. In all, it was a terrific read for anyone who spends time in the wood. ...more than

Mar twenty, 2020 Winnett rated it information technology was astonishing

This book is a gem. Information technology talks about why things are and what to look for and what those details are maxim. As a novice naturalist, this is stuff you could pick up after years of observations, just I like getting a boost of cognition to speed things up. These lessons should be in some in person classes (they probably are). I'm in the PNW and so much of this information doesn't work for me, just it was still eye opening about what sure things I see in a forest might mean. It gives me clues and tools t This book is a gem. It talks well-nigh why things are and what to look for and what those details are saying. Every bit a novice naturalist, this is stuff you lot could choice up after years of observations, merely I like getting a boost of knowledge to speed things up. These lessons should be in some in person classes (they probably are). I'm in the PNW and then much of this information doesn't work for me, but information technology was withal center opening nigh what sure things I see in a wood might hateful. Information technology gives me clues and tools to convert to my own forests. Truly a treasure. ...more than

Apr 18, 2018 Peter Henne rated it it was amazing

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more than about the world around them. The author presents a wealth of noesis on New England forests, but in an interesting format. He discusses a variety of ways that forests were disrupted past human or natural occurrences, provides tips on how to identify this disruption (and thus the background of a forest), and presents the relevant history of the region. It volition make you capeesh the complex history of the woods you walk through.

Apr 04, 2021 Laurel rated it it was amazing

Simple, straightforward pedagogy in this volume. Information technology is amazing how much I learned and how easy information technology is to apply the writer'due south ideas in real life. I now find myself looking out the window driving through New Hampshire, searching for stone walls, field thrown stones, pillows and hammocks, wolf trees, and beaver dams. This is higher up and across 5 stars for anyone who enjoys spending time in the forest of New England.

Mar 04, 2019 Jeff DeRosa rated it actually liked it

Interesting perspective and insight on how to read the central New England mural. However, I plant the natural history role of this book to exist most interesting. The writing itself is not equally fun some other Naturalists I've read. However, this is an splendid book for learning about New England's forests. Interesting perspective and insight on how to read the central New England landscape. However, I found the natural history office of this volume to be nearly interesting. The writing itself is not as fun some other Naturalists I've read. Nevertheless, this is an fantabulous book for learning about New England'south forests. ...more

A classic--and simply 25 years old! Reading this is a "must" for anyone interested in the natural history of central New England specifically and in the eastern deciduous forest in general. I'thou a retired forest ecologist who worked in Mid-Atlantic forests and I yet learned things; I should accept read this book when it was first published! A classic--and only 25 years old! Reading this is a "must" for anyone interested in the natural history of central New England specifically and in the eastern deciduous forest in general. I'm a retired forest ecologist who worked in Mid-Atlantic forests and I still learned things; I should accept read this volume when it was first published! ...more

November 19, 2021 Marjorie rated information technology it was amazing

I will be referring to this book for years to come. Presenting biogeography in terms of detecting forest factors is a supremely useful mental construction for wrapping i's head around the complicated biological worlds.

I especially beloved the 'A Look Back' sections of the all the chapters.

One doesn't need to live in New England to apply the principles elsewhere.
Ra, Ra, Ra.

I will be referring to this book for years to come. Presenting biogeography in terms of detecting wood factors is a supremely useful mental structure for wrapping ane's head around the complicated biological worlds.

I especially love the 'A Look Back' sections of the all the capacity.

One doesn't demand to live in New England to apply the principles elsewhere.
Ra, Ra, Ra.

...more

Mar 26, 2017 Geoff rated it it was amazing

A very clear well written book that provides the tools to empathise the structure of a present day landscape. While specific to central New England, these tools can be used to see the landscape anywhere and learn to sympathize what causes things to happen. Really remarkable and thoughtful.

Aug 05, 2019 Brian rated it really liked information technology

An easy picayune read with many applied tips for understanding the history of a wood from what you lot run into nigh you. I look forward to taking these ideas into the forest with me next hike and trying to read the forest.

Dec 03, 2020 David rated it information technology was amazing

A very thought-provoking volume, useful for interpreting the by and current woodland and also a warning nigh the results of human activity: introduction of foreign blights, acid pelting, air pollution and global warming. Although published in 1997, it is still relevant today.

Mar 22, 2021 Betsey rated it really liked information technology

Such a fun book to take forth on walks through the woods - it answers and so many questions near how our mural became what we run into and experience! And not to be missed is Tom Wessels' The Granite Landscape - about granite domes from Acadia to Yosemite. Such a fun book to take along on walks through the woods - information technology answers so many questions virtually how our landscape became what we meet and experience! And not to be missed is Tom Wessels' The Granite Landscape - almost granite domes from Acadia to Yosemite. ...more

Feb 05, 2022 Ashley rated it it was amazing

Very enjoyable, very informative, and while the focus is specifically on central New England, it offers insights and (perchance more than importantly) a way of looking at the mural that is applicable much more broadly.

Mar 31, 2018 Michael rated information technology it was amazing

I couldn't put this book down. A fascinating forensic tour through the history of New England. forests. Not technical; highly recommended. I couldn't put this book down. A fascinating forensic tour through the history of New England. forests. Not technical; highly recommended. ...more

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