Description
In The Hidden Forest, veteran science writer Jon Luoma offers an absorbing account of how these scientists came to recognize the importance of natural forest ecosystems and how their research is revolutionizing forest management.
Luoma takes readers into the hidden forest where researchers have discovered a host of species previously unknown to science, and interactions in the forest ecosystem that no one previously imagined. He describes projects dealing with the forest canopy, rotting logs, insects, fungi, wildlife, streams, and the effects of flood, fire, clear cutting, and volcanic eruption. And he tells the human story behind the research, capturing the shared excitement and wonder of scientific discovery. Along the way, Luoma provides a short course in such complex issues as forest succession, biodiversity, and the politics of forestry.
In a new foreword, Jerry Franklin discusses the importance of dedicated, long-term research sites and comments on new discoveries that have emerged from forest ecosystem research since The Hidden Forest was first published.
About the Author
Jon R. Luoma is a contributing editor to Audubon magazine, a contributor to the Science Times section of the New York Times, and the author of two previous books, A Crowded Ark and Troubled Skies, Troubled Waters. He lives in southern New Jersey.
Reviews
"An inspiring, informative account of the complexity of an undisturbed forest." -Audubon magazine
"Like John McPhee, Luoma writes a clear reportorial prose, affable and supple enough to accommodate his range of facts, quotes, and ideas. And, like McPhee, he explains natural science's recent discoveries by telling the stories of the discoverers. The result is an engaging yet serious outline of what we know about forests. And what experts are still finding out." -Publishers Weekly
Book Information
ISBN 9780870710940
Author Jon R. Luoma
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Oregon State University
Publisher Oregon State University
Weight(grams) 361g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 150mm * 15mm