Treecology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Trees and Forests

Description

Did you know...Trees have many talents -- they can feed and house animals, create windbreaks, protect watersheds, and help prevent soil erosion. Researchers believe they have found the oldest tree in the world -- a spruce in Sweden that has been alive for about 9,500 years. Even dead and decaying trees and stumps are often teeming with life! Young nature enthusiasts will learn these and many other fascinating facts about the wonderful world of trees in this book. This fun and interactive resource includes plentiful full-colour photographs and drawings and clear, child-friendly discussions of tree structures, families, and foods; the interaction between trees and the wildlife that depend on them; tree and forest--related jobs and preservation, and much more. With encouragement to "Try This", "Look For" and "Listen For", children participate in 30 hands-on activities that promote observation and analysis, writing and drawing, maths and science, and nature literacy skills. They will measure the circumference of a tree trunk, press and preserve leaves, study the textures of tree bark, find evidence of forest creatures, record their findings in a decorated forest logbook, and more. Readers from any region will start to take notice of the trees around them not just in forests and woods but also around the schools, parks, buildings, and sidewalks of their town, and in their own backyards. Useful resources include a glossary of "tree terms", common and scientific names, a list of tree and nature organisations and groups, and a teacher's guide to initiate classroom discussion and investigation.

Monica Russo is the author and illustrator of several children's nature books including Birdology, Tree Almanac, Amazing Insects, and others. Kevin Byron is a photographer who specializes in nature and wildlife images. His work has appeared in many publications including Watching Nature, BirdScope magazine, and the New York Times. They live in Kennebunk, Maine.

" Treecology provides an amazingly thorough overview of trees and their ecology in everyday language. Suggested activities and wonderful photos make it easy for kids to participate while having fun learning." Eileen Willard, instructor in dendrology (the study of trees), University of New Hamphire "A labor of love reflecting years of experience in the field as well as in writing for young readers, [ Treecology ] offers a path to interesting explorations of the natural world." Kirkus Reviews "[A] comprehensive introduction to forests and trees that emphasizes appreciating the small changes and recurring patterns in nature." Publishers Weekly "This is a fascinating book that will increase your awareness and love for the natural beauty that coexists with us." Story Monsters Ink "[F]ull of science facts and activities for young nature enthusiasts." Parenting Healthy "Recommended for research projects involving trees and plant life." School Library Journal "An excellent new nature activity book for kids." ScienceBlogs.com "Just in time for those 'signs of fall' nature walks, this is an essential for public and school libraries, and a handy and inexpensive resource for any home or classroom bookshelf." Books for Kids Blog