Natures Temples

“Maloof eloquently urges us to cherish the wildness of what little old-growth woodlands we have left. . . . Not only are they home to the richest diversity of creatures, but they work hard for humans too.” —New York Times Book Review An old-growth forest is one that has formed naturally over a long period of time with little or no disturbance from humankind. They are increasingly rare and largely misunderstood. In Nature’s Temples, Joan Maloof, the director of the Old-Growth Forest Network, makes a heartfelt and passionate case for their importance. This evocative and accessible narrative defines old-growth and provides a brief history of forests. It offers a rare view into how the life-forms in an ancient, undisturbed forest—including not only its majestic trees but also its insects, plant life, fungi, and mammals—differ from the life-forms in a forest manipulated by humans. What emerges is a portrait of a beautiful, intricate, and fragile ecosystem that now exists only in scattered fragments. Black-and-white illustrations by Andrew Joslin help clarify scientific concepts and capture the beauty of ancient trees.

An impassioned case for the importance of ancient forests and their preservation Standing in an old-growth forest, you can instinctively sense the ways it is different from forests shaped by humans. These ancient, undisturbed ecosystems are increasingly rare and largely misunderstood. Nature’s Temples explores the science and alchemy of old-growth forests and makes a compelling case for their protection. Many foresters are proponents of forest management, while ecologists and conservation biologists believe that the healthiest forests are those we leave alone. Joan Maloof brings together the scientific data we have about old-growth forests, drawing on diverse fields of study to explain the ecological differences among forests of various ages. She describes the life forms and relationships that make old-growth forests unique—from salamanders and micro-snails to plants that communicate through fungi—and reveals why human attempts to manage forests can never replicate nature’s sublime handiwork. This revised and expanded edition also sheds new light on the special role forests play in removing carbon from the atmosphere and shares what we know about the interplay between wildfires and ancient forests. With drawings by Andrew Joslin that illustrate scientific concepts and capture the remarkable beauty of ancient trees, Nature’s Temples invites you to discover the power of these fragile realms that are so inextricably connected to our planet, our fellow species, and our spirits.

Carry John Muir’s wisdom with you in this inspirational guide that features 60 of his most insightful quotes. As a patriarch of the American environmental movement, John Muir helped to give birth to the national park system, the Sierra Club, and a myriad of smaller groups devoted to saving rivers, redwoods, and wildlife. Yet, he is also a spiritual parent who leads us down unmarked trails of the spirit. By urging us to simply be present in the world around us, loving and honoring it as our garden home, his poetic insight liberates life. In Meditations of John Muir, editor Chris Highland pairs 60 Muir quotes with selections from other celebrated thinkers and spiritual texts. Take this pocket-size guide with you on backpacks, nature hikes, and camping trips. Let Muir’s words enrich your experience as you ponder the wilderness from riverbank, mountaintop, or as you relax beside your campfire. Inside you’ll find: 60 inspiring John Muir quotes Selections of text from other philosophical minds Short excerpts for convenient reading Muir’s exuberance for nature was the touchstone for his commitment to the earth and all of its creatures. Let him lead you along the ultimate adventure that treks every range of light. Then venture off on your own deertrails of the heart, harkening to his granite gospel that calls for you “to get as near to the heart of the world” as you can.

From approximately the third century BCE through the thirteenth century CE, the remote mountainous landscape around the glacial sources of the Ganga (Ganges) River in the Central Himalayas in northern India was transformed into a region encoded with deep meaning, one approached by millions of Hindus as a primary locus of pilgrimage. Nachiket Chanchani?s innovative study explores scores of stone edifices and steles that were erected in this landscape. Through their forms, locations, interactions with the natural environment, and sociopolitical context, these lithic ensembles evoked legendary worlds, embedded historical memories in the topography, changed the mountain range?s appearance, and shifted its semiotic effect. Mountain Temples and Temple Mountains also alters our understanding of the transmission of architectural knowledge and provides new evidence of how an enduring idea of India emerged in the subcontinent. Art History Publication Initiative. For more information, visit http://arthistorypi.org/books/mountain-temples-and-temple-mountains

Uncover the enigmatic wonders of the ancient world with the captivating book bundle, "Megalithic Temples." Immerse yourself in the mysteries and majesty of Stonehenge, Gobekli Tepe, Ggantija Temples, and Baalbek as you embark on an extraordinary journey through time and space. This exceptional collection of four books will transport you to the realms of ancient civilizations, where monumental structures and profound symbolism continue to intrigue and astound. In "Mysteries Of The Megaliths: Unraveling The Secrets Of Stonehenge," you will be captivated by the enigmatic wonder that is Stonehenge. Delve into the celestial alignments, archaeological discoveries, and the rich mythology surrounding this iconic site. Uncover the ancient rituals, engineering marvels, and the enduring mysteries that have puzzled historians for centuries. "Timeless Guardians: Exploring The Enigmatic Gobekli Tepe" takes you on a remarkable journey to one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. Explore the ancient sanctuary of Gobekli Tepe, where monumental stone pillars stand as timeless guardians of forgotten civilizations. Unlock the secrets of its construction, decipher the intricate carvings, and discover the profound spiritual significance of this enigmatic site. "The Forgotten Giants: Journey To The Ggantija Temples Of Malta" invites you to uncover the hidden treasures of Malta's ancient past. Step into the world of the Ggantija Temples, where colossal megalithic structures whisper tales of an ancient civilization. Unearth the architectural wonders, immerse yourself in the sacred rituals, and unravel the mysteries of this awe-inspiring site that has remained hidden for millennia. In "Legends Of The Ancient Stones: Unveiling The Power Of Baalbek's Megalithic Temple," you will be transported to the majestic ruins of Baalbek. Experience the grandeur of this megalithic temple complex, steeped in legends and awe-inspiring mysteries. Explore its colossal stones, ponder the advanced engineering techniques, and uncover the spiritual and symbolic significance embedded in every corner of this ancient wonder. Indulge your curiosity, ignite your imagination, and expand your understanding of our ancient past with the "Megalithic Temples" book bundle. Each book offers a captivating exploration of a different megalithic site, filled with vivid descriptions, meticulously researched insights, and stunning visuals that bring these ancient wonders to life. Whether you are a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the mysteries of the past, this book bundle is a must-have addition to your library. Dive into the world of megalithic temples, where each page holds secrets waiting to be unraveled. Discover the untold stories, embrace the sense of wonder, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the ages. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own the complete "Megalithic Temples" book bundle, featuring "Mysteries Of The Megaliths," "Timeless Guardians," "The Forgotten Giants," and "Legends Of The Ancient Stones." Order now and embark on a fascinating exploration of our ancient heritage.

In this collection of natural-history essays, biologist Joan Maloof embarks on a series of lively, fact-filled expeditions into forests of the eastern United States. Through Maloof’s engaging, conversational style, each essay offers a lesson in stewardship as it explores the interwoven connections between a tree species and the animals and insects whose lives depend on it—and who, in turn, work to ensure the tree’s survival. Never really at home in a laboratory, Maloof took to the woods early in her career. Her enthusiasm for firsthand observation in the wild spills over into her writing, whether the subject is the composition of forest air, the eagle’s preference for nesting in loblolly pines, the growth rings of the bald cypress, or the gray squirrel’s fondness for weevil-infested acorns. With a storyteller’s instinct for intriguing particulars, Maloof expands our notions about what a tree “is” through her many asides—about the six species of leafhoppers who eat only sycamore leaves or the midges who live inside holly berries and somehow prevent them from turning red. As a scientist, Maloof accepts that trees have a spiritual dimension that cannot be quantified. As an unrepentant tree hugger, she finds support in the scientific case for biodiversity. As an activist, she can’t help but wonder how much time is left for our forests.