'Nature's Temples' is an evocative and accessible exploration that offers an introduction to the importance and wonder of old-growth forests. Gain a better understanding of old-growth forests and why they matter! An old-growth forest is one that has formed naturally over a long period of time with little or no disturbance from humankind. They are increasingly rare and largely misunderstood. In 'Nature's Temples', Joan Maloof, the director of the Old-Growth Forest Network, makes a heartfelt and passionate case for their importance. This evocative and accessible narrative defines old-growth and provides a brief history of forests. It offers a rare view into how the life-forms in an ancient, undisturbed forest?including not only its majestic trees but also its insects, plant life, fungi, and mammals?differ from the life-forms in a forest manipulated by humans. What emerges is a portrait of a beautiful, intricate, and fragile ecosystem that now exists only in scattered fragments. Black-and-white illustrations by Andrew Joslin help clarify scientific concepts and capture the beauty of ancient trees. AUTHOR: Joan Maloof is a scientist, writer, and the founder and director of the Old-Growth Forest network, a nonprofit organization creating a network of forests across the U.S. that will remain forever unlogged and open to the public. She studied plant science at the University of Delaware, environmental science at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and ecology at the University of Maryland College Park. She is the author of Teaching the Trees and Among the Ancients. SELLING POINTS: ? The importance of ancient trees: ? A popular topic among readers of accessible science ? Expert authorship: Joan Maloof is the founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network, whose mission is to preserve, protect and promote the country's few remaining stands of old-growth forest. Illustrated
