"An excellent natural history. . . . Expresses Larson's obvious enthusiasm for swamps and will instill the same feeling in readers."--Susan W. Vince, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida
"An excellent description of the beauty and complexity of Florida's swamplands. . . . Thoroughly details what the different kinds of swamps are, how they were formed, the flora and fauna found in them, some of the best sites for viewing this habitat, and the overall importance of these areas to man and nature."--William Conner, Baruch Forest Science Institute, Georgetown, South Carolina
Swamp Song is the story of a biologist's romance with the environment. In this abundantly illustrated book, naturalist and photographer Ron Larson offers to everyone interested in nature--from bird watchers and canoeists to botanists and policy makers--an introduction to Florida's forested wetlands.
Florida has more swamps and marshes than any other state except Alaska. One-third of it is covered with cypress domes, wet prairies, mangrove swamps, sawgrass glades, pitcher plant savannahs, and other wetlands. Swamps in Florida are the last refuge of panthers, wood storks, black bears, and many rare plants such as the ghost orchid and hand fern.
This intimate account of Florida's biological richness bridges the gap between technical and popular discussions of how swamps originated; how water, fire, and nutrients affect wetlands; the types and distribution of swamps; the impact of exotic species; and how human activities affect swamps. It introduces the flora of swamps, from slime molds to tupelo trees, and examines the animals that live there, from apple snails to bobcats. In addition, it tells how to explore and photograph the swamps and offers maps that show how to find them.
Larson's message is that swamps are a vital part of Florida's landscape that deserve protection and appreciation. In personal narrative and 79 illustrations, he presents the swamp as a natural world of remarkable biotic diversity and he invites readers to understand why he finds it distinctive, enticing, and unforgettably beautiful.
