California Naturalist Handbook

Reviews of the first edition:

"Everyone interested in creating a sustainable society should have a copy of The California Naturalist Handbook."
– Paul R. Ehrlich, co-author of The Dominant Animal

"We live in a time of increasing societal disconnection from nature while the planet is undergoing tremendous loss of biodiversity and environmental change. In order to address the challenges of our times it is necessary to be aware of the natural world. The California Naturalist Handbook provides a key framework to actively engage with nature through a broad perspective."
– Don Hankins, Professor of Geography and Planning at California State University, Chico

"The California Naturalist Handbook expanded my love for nature and passion for conservation. As a BIPOC environmental educator, I was empowered by this book to connect knowledge, experience, and identity by advocating for diversity in outdoor spaces and sharing inclusive conservation messages. This handbook will inspire you too to connect with nature, make conservation more inclusive, and champion stewardship in underrepresented communities."
– Ashley Terry, Environmental Educator, Oakland Zoo

"This book provides a toolbox for delving into the natural history of a fascinating part of the world, California. Raising awareness of and developing reverence for the interactive forces of nature elevates creativity and thoughtfulness. The process of becoming natural historians fosters in us the desire to reciprocate, based on feelings of awe towards the continuity of nature. This book is a reminder that some of the most rewarding actions we humans can take are through nature appreciation and education."
– Todd Keeler-Wolf, coauthor of A Manual of California Vegetation

"The California Naturalist Handbook helps build essential naturalist skills. Whether you are a student preparing yourself for a professional career in natural science or a self-taught nature enthusiast, this book will help you look deeper, see more, understand what you find, and ask more profound questions as you explore California."
– John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada

"This is a dangerous book. If you start reading it, you may find yourself having the uncontrollable desire to study the insects in your backyard, examine the rocks in a local roadcut, or look for frogs along a mountain stream. This book tells you how to do such things in a clear, no-nonsense fashion. It will enable you to explain what you see to your friends and family, even if they are at first reluctant to hear you."
– Peter Moyle, author of Fishes: An Enthusiast's Guide

"Many cities lie within biodiversity hotspots and The California Naturalist Handbook points the way to how we can observe, appreciate, and steward urban open spaces as vital areas for wildlife and people."
– Christopher J. Schell, urban ecologist, father, writer, and Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley

"As an instructor, I think this handbook is a wonderful reference tool to use in class or in the field. My students and I really appreciated the tips at the end of each chapter that give you opportunities to explore nature. To be honest, I used these sections to help plan field trips! This book reminds students of what makes California a brilliant place to explore and experience nature."
– Ann Wasser, Pacific Grove Natural History Museum

"The California Naturalist Handbook is the new, go-to reference for any question about the nature of the state, its energy resources, land management and environmental concerns. Not only should a copy ride in the backpack of every naturalist, science teacher and student, but the crucial information within must be consumed and passed along!"
– Rich Stallcup, author of California Traveler Birds of California

"This handbook celebrates the state's natural heritage and will guide the budding naturalist to develop valuable skills – seeing what is really there, documenting those observations, and understanding nature's interconnectedness. As the reader becomes tethered more intimately to the natural world, his or her increased ecological literacy will broaden nature's constituency, providing a critical link to our future well-being."
– Jules Evens, author of Introduction to California Birdlife

"This handbook provides any prospective natural history interpreter with an excellent summary of the unique natural diversity of the state. It's designed to foster life-long learning, sharing of information, and taking action to protect the environment. I highly recommend this handbook to any organization developing a natural resources interpretive program or to anyone desiring a good summary of California's natural history."
– Stephen Barnhart, Academic Director, Pepperwood Preserve