Exams are nearly finished, graduation is 10 days away, and the weather is gorgeous today—all signs point to summer time—finally!
Whether you are far away for a summer job or internship, or stay in the Green Mountains, chances are the Environmental Collection has a book about the plants, trees, animals, and adventures you can have wherever you are! Below are a few that I think are especially cool!
Naturally Curious written by Mary Holland of Hartland, VT offers a month-by-month guide to the New England environment. The book is filled with pictures and chronicles the development of everything from birds, to insects, amphibians, fungi and more, throughout the seasons. Holland also offers a “day in the life” of common species. Did you know that in the month of May, black flies and mayflies hatch, painted turtles lay their eggs, and white-tailed deer give birth to fawns? ENV COLL QH104.N4 H65 2010
Headed to the Great Plains this summer? Check out The National Grasslands: A Guide to America’s Undiscovered Treasures In three parts, the book explores the history of the grasslands, specifically the human intervention and development of the land through the New Deal. Part two explore the grasslands and the flora and animals which live there. Finally, part three, analyzes grassland issues and alternatives for the future. ENV COLL 104.5. W4M 68 2006
Apparently, New York City really is more than a concrete jungle! In a Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City, naturalist Leslie Day details the natural history of some of the City’s most well-known parks. Day also notes where you can find animals in the city, trees, mushrooms and other flowers, as well as basic geology. ENV COLL QH105.N7D39 2007
If you’re headed to Florida, this is the perfect book to take with you—T he Everglades Handbook: Understanding the Ecosystem by Thomas E. Lodge. The book has four sections, including the “Environments of the Everglades” which is comprised of nine chapters on various topics like swamps, estuaries, and various tree species. Section three, “The Flora and Fauna of Southern Florida,” explores reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish, mammals, birds and more. The final section, “Environmental Impacts” evaluates the impact of agriculture, mining, land development and ATV’s on the Everglades. ENV COLL QH105.F6L63 2010
An environmental classic, My First Summer in the Sierra, by John Muir is the perfect companion for those headed out west. The book is actually Muir’s diary, and chronicles his discovery of the beautiful land around him and perhaps is the reason he dedicated his life to the preservation wilderness. ENV COLL QH 31.M9 A34 2003
No matter where you go, or what you do, from all of us at the Cornell Library, have a wonderful summer, and please, send us a postcard so we know of your good work and fun adventures! Our address is 68 N. Windsor St!
Julien & Virginia Cornell Library 