The Naturalist's Notebook: An Observation Guide and 5-Year Calendar-Journal for Tracking Changes in the Natural World around You

by Nathaniel T. Wheelwright, Bernd Heinrich

Overview

Become a more attentive observer and deepen your appreciation for the natural world. The unique five-year calendar format of The Naturalist’s Notebook helps you create a long-term record and point of comparison for memorable events, such as the first songbird you hear in spring, your first monarch butterfly sighting of summer, or the appearance of the northern lights. Biologist Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and best-selling author Bernd Heinrich teach nature lovers of all ages what to look for outdoors no matter where you live, using Heinrich’s classic illustrations as inspiration. As you jot down one observation a day, year after year, your collected field notes will serve as a valuable record of your piece of the planet. This deluxe book, with a three-piece case, gilt edges, a burgundy ribbon bookmark, and a belly band with gold foil stamping, is a perfect gift for all nature lovers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612128894
Publisher:	Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	10/17/2017
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	196,436
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and Bernd Heinrich are coauthors of The Naturalist's Notebook and are noted biologists and nature educators. Wheelwright teaches biology at Bowdoin College and is the 2015 recipient of the ecology education award from the Ecological Society of America. Heinrich, emeritus professor of biology at the University of Vermont, is the award-winning author of more than 20 nature books, including Mind of the Raven, Winter World, and One Wild Bird at a Time. Both live in Maine.
 

Table of Contents

Preface by Nathaniel T. Wheelwright: Noticing Nature Every Day
Preface by Bernd Heinrich: A Naturalist's Journal
1  Being Attentive
2  How to Become an Observant Naturalist I
3  How to Become an Observant Naturalist II
4  A Naturalist's Toolbox
5  Simple Experiments as a Way of Learning
6  Knowing Nature Where You Are
Epilogue: Bird by Bird
5-Year Calendar-Journal
Personal Glossary for Abbreviations and Symbols
Useful Books
Metric Conversion
Timelines for Species and Events You Follow
Acknowledgments
About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

How often do you literally stop and smell the roses? According to The Naturalist's Notebook, probably not often enough. With this as your guide, you'll develop the resources to be in tune with nature year after year. Co-authors Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and Bernd Heinrich encourage mindfulness, curiosity and respect for Mother Nature as ways to explore your natural surroundings. Once you learn to be observant, you can recognize nature's rhythm every year. Have daffodils been blooming? When do birds begin their migration south? By recording noteworthy events over time, you learn how to make sense of your observations and use them to develop new knowledge, including recognizing environmental changes. Bernd Heinrich's lovely illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to Wheelwright's thoughtful guidance. Journal entries encourage naturalists to take note of significant natural events, allowing for a five-year retrospective that documents nature in all of its glory. This delightful resource for connecting with nature will please children and adults alike.” — Shelf Awareness for Readers

“A marvelous guide to curiosity and wonder, full of brilliant and inspiring advice from two of our generation’s most accomplished naturalists.”  — David George Haskell, Pulitzer-nominated author of The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees
 
“It’s hard to imagine a more splendid book. Get out in the woods and fields with this volume as your constant inspiration!” — Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature
 
“Whether you’re a budding nature lover or an expert naturalist, this outstanding guide is sure to ignite your curiosity and deepen your connection with the natural world. It’s a full dose of Vitamin N.” — Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, The Nature Principle, and Vitamin N

“When it comes to protecting the lands and waters that sustain us all, individual actions can add up to a big impact. Wheelwright and Heinrich have created a unique and practical tool that will deepen anyone’s connection to nature — and underscore the urgency of the actions we all can take to protect it.” — Mark R. Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy and author of Nature’s Fortune
 
“There is so much around us, but seeing is a skill. It takes practice and a little devotion. A mentor helps as a guide to assist in framing your observational skills. In this book, two of the best possible mentors have given us just such a guide. Pay attention and use this book. You’ll have terrific fun with it.” — Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel
 
“This wonderful book is really about the power of curiosity and passion; two expert naturalists sharing their inspiration and guidance to turn simple observations into a deeper understanding of the world around us.” — David Allen Sibley, author and illustrator, The Sibley Guide to Birds

From the Publisher