A Naturalist's Guide to the Texas Hill Country: 50 (W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series) - Softcover

"This book provides an excellent introduction to most of the common plants and animals of the Texas Hill Country. It is well-suited to the budding naturalist, visitor, or newcomer to the region. The photos and descriptions of common trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, lichens, birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, all in one volume, make this a valuable book for those who love the Hill Country."--Steve Nelle, Wildlife Biologist-- (09/12/2014) "If I was going to have only one book about the resources of the Texas Hill Country, Mark Gustafson's book would be it. He not only knows what to say, he also knows when and how to say it. As a result, this is a remarkably thorough treatment of the Hill Country that is as accessible as it is informative."--William J. Quinn, Professor of Biology, St. Edward's University-- (10/27/2014) "My Goal for the past two and a half decades is to help people "see" the concepts [as in understand that they are land stewards] and in some respects this field guide does." -- Susan M. Sander, Founder, Reiverside nature center-- (11/22/2013) "It's an excellent tool to have while exploring, deciding on a vacation spot, or educating yourself on Texas history and wildlife."--Review of Texas Books--Review of Texas Books

In this guide, biologist Mark Gustafson introduces residents and visitors to the history, geology, water resources, plants, and animals found in the nineteen counties occupying the eastern part of the Edwards Plateau, the heart of the Hill Country. He profiles three hundred of the most common and unique species from all of the major groups of plants and animals: trees, shrubs, wildflowers, cacti, vines, grasses, ferns, fungi, lichens, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates. Color photographs are included for each species along with a brief description. He closes with a chapter on significant state parks and natural areas in the region as an invitation to visit and explore the Texas Hill Country. As large metropolitan areas continue to encroach on the Hill Country, newcomers are moving in and more people are flocking to its many attractions. This guidebook will enrich the appreciation of the region's rich and unique biodiversity and encourage conservation of the natural world encountered.