Stewart T. Skeate - A Nature Guide To Northwest North Carolina

Description

“During my travels I have learned to depend on regional guides. Either
before or upon arriving at my destination, I try to find a book that describes
the natural history of the area that I am visiting. Books that describe the different
habitats found in an area and what plants and animals are likely to be found are
especially useful. This is what I have tried to produce in this book, a general
guide to the natural communities, plants, and animals of northwestern North
Carolina.
When I arrived in northwest North Carolina in 1985 to teach biology
at Lees-McRae College in Avery County, it was a wonder to live in one of the
greatest ecosystems, the Southern Appalachians, in the world. I found myself
surrounded by thousands of acres of natural areas, waiting exploration. I also
found that I was woefully ignorant of what surrounded me. Slowly, year by
year I have worked to try to understand the incredible diversity and complex
communities of our area. I am still learning. I have learned from colleagues,
students, numerous field guides, and from just getting out in the mountains
and poking around. I was especially fortunate to find as a home an old farm in
western Watauga County. Nature is no farther than our back porch and is
often inside our house as well. Many of my most rewarding nature observations
have come in my “backyard”. I have also been fortunate to have a job that
results in many hours outdoors with eager young naturalists with curious minds
and sharp eyes. Indeed these students have taught their teacher a great deal.
The purpose of this book is not to replace the many fine field guides
that are available for plant and animal identification. Instead it is my hope that
this book will supplement these guides and may be used to get a better
understanding of this region for those looking to gain more information about
the natural history of our area. While most field guides focus on identification
of particular plant or animal groups, I have instead tried to give an overall
description of the different local communities and the plants and animals one
may encounter in their journeys through these different habitats. I have limited
the animals to the vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and
mammals. This should not be interpreted that invertebrates and especially
insects are any less important or interesting, but as there are so many of them,
doing justice to this group would expand this book considerably.
References to particular locations will be made throughout the guide
so that the reader may visit these places and hopefully this guide will improve
their understanding of the communities in these locales. I have also included
a list of specific locales with short descriptions that may be useful. Many of
these locales are easily accessible from a parking area, while others may involve
enjoyable day-hikes or overnight trips. I have also listed a number of reference
books and field guides that I have found useful for our region. For each book I
have included a general description and its strengths.
Nature for many people is something to be enjoyed and treasured.
By understanding more about our natural surroundings, our interest and
curiosity only increases. Familiarity with nature can only add to the enjoyment
of spending time outdoors. Hopefully this guide will add to your understanding
of the natural history of this special area and thus increase your appreciation
of the wonders of the Southern Appalachians.
“Label each notable tree, not with pieces of tin or wood nailed to the bark, but
with pieces of thought and understanding nailed to your mind.”
Aldo Leopold”

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