Vestiges of ancient sand dunes and bogs from retreating glaciers,
the Pine Barrens are among the most mysterious and fascinating
parts of the eastern United States landscape. Their intrigue is due
as much to their ecology as it is to their rich folklore and
history. Yet, despite their remarkable geologic story and the
abundant diversity of plant and animal species that they are home
to, they remain one of our most neglected ecosystems. In ""Whispers
in the Pines"", naturalist Joanna Burger takes us on a series of
delightful trips, lending new and exciting perspectives to these
underappreciated regions. From the Albany Pine Bush, the Long
Island Barrens, and the New Jersey Pine Barrens in the Northeast,
to the pinelands of South Carolina and Florida, Burger describes in
lively and engaging detail how these barren habitats have come to
harbor such a unique assemblage of species. She introduces us to
amphibians and reptiles, neotropical migrants and other birds, and
a range of common and unusual mammals. The reader is invited to
come along as Burger searches for butterflies and as she engages in
the delicate task of seeking out pine snake hatchlings. Through the
eyes of one of the country's foremost naturalists, we explore the
lives of frogs and toads, hognose snakes, fence lizards, warblers,
hawks, turkeys, red squirrels, cottonmouths, gopher tortoises,
scrub jays, armadillos, and many others. Burger also traces the
regions' historic and geologic backgrounds, and the impact of human
occupation from the time of the paleo-Indians to the present. For
many years, these lands were relatively unpopulated and their
obscurity became the fruit of rich folklore. But, in recent years,
these sprawling landscapes have captured the attention of
developers and are now being encroached upon by housing
communities. Throughout the book, Burger revisits the tension
between development and preservation, reminding us that a healthy
pine barren region requires uninterrupted land and rejuvenating
fires, both of which are increasingly jeopardized. Whether you've
grown up with the pinelands or are a newcomer to these fertile and
mysterious lands, ""Whispers in the Pines"" will be both exciting
and informative. It is essential reading for everyone concerned
with the history and preservation of these unique landscapes and
their wildlife.
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