Minnesota's Natural Heritage

The definitive work on Minnesotas natural history and ecologyupdated, expanded, and copiously illustrated to account for profound changes to the states natural landscape over the past twenty-five years The story of Minnesotas natural landscape, reaching back to the time of the glaciers, covers at least 12,000 years. Yet even against that vast expanse, recent decades have significantly transformed the natural world that is Minnesotas greatest resource. In the twenty-five years since the first publication of Minnesotas Natural Heritage, the definitive volume on the states natural history and ecology, human activity and climate change have profoundly altered the major ecosystems that give our state its rich and varied character. The second edition of Minnesotas Natural Heritage introduces readers to these ecosystemsthe lakes and rivers, forests and prairies, farmlands and wetlandsand explains how they have come to be, how they function, and how they have changed so rapidly and dramatically in recent years. Full-color illustrations document the states striking natural beauty in all its vigor and fragility, while maps, drawings, diagrams, and graphs amplify points of historical, ecological, and geological interest. The most complete treatment of Minnesotas natural environment, compiled and accessibly written by scientists whose collective knowledge spans the books expansive content, Minnesotas Natural Heritage is the one indispensable companion for both visitors and inhabitants, as enlightening to page through as it is valuable to study.