Reading the Forested Landscape: A Natural History of New ... (ISBN 0881504203)

The woods are lovely...:
Before I read this book, I knew the woods had stories to tell; now, I can begin to understand them. This book is a forensic reference demystifying the clues the forest has to reveal. Each chapter describes, in depth, a particular setting and the clues found there. The drawings, unfortunately, are not as good or helpful as the writing. I would have preferred photographs, but it's only a small drawback.

seeing the unseen:
I thought I knew the woods. "Reading the Forested Landscape" allows you to see what is in front of you, but not seen. I will never look at a woods in the same way again. Tom Wessels does a masterful job of showing you how to "read" the landscape. The book is a "detective novel" of information. I will read it again and visit the woodlands and do a bit of detective work. Great fun.

Seeing the unseen:
I was amazed at all the details the author pulled out of the forest -- he truly is an expert in his field and a wonderful observer/teacher. Given how well he could explain events from a series of linked observations and how well he was able to teach it, I'm wondering if there is a analog in my profession. Given the same level of observation there is probably far more to learn in what we experience everyday. This book is a great gift for the hiker, nature lover or professional who likes to learn.

I WILL NEVER SEE THE WOODS THE SAME AGAIN:
After reading this book I will never view the forest the same again. It shows me how to look for clues to the past at every turn. At first I was skeptical then began to see the patterns described in the woods right by our cabin. Even when I drive the clues are there. If you have any relationship to a piece of land this book will make it richer.

A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE:
This is a great book to read if you take hikes in the New England woods or just want to be a "detective" of landscapes. You'll learn alot!