Staff Pick
Buying books for the climate change section can get a little depressing sometimes, so when a book with “hope” in the title comes along, I pay attention! This title is part of a growing area of climate literature that focuses on big picture changes individual folks can make — in this case, how to make your backyard part of a conservation corridor for wildlife in order to help boost biodiversity. Practical, inspirational, and full of scientific and historical information, this accessible guide is sorely needed, both by the world at large as well as by me personally. I can’t wait for spring when I can put some of these ideas into action! Recommended By Leah C., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Douglas W. Tallamy’s first book, Bringing Nature Home, awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this new book, Tallamy takes the next step and outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation. Nature’s Best Hope shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats. Because this approach relies on the initiatives of private individuals, it is immune from the whims of government policy. Even more important, it’s practical, effective, and easy — you will walk away with specific suggestions you can incorporate into your own yard.
If you’re concerned about doing something good for the environment, Nature’s Best Hope is the blueprint you need. By acting now, you can help preserve our precious wildlife — and the planet — for future generations.
Review
“Here is one area where individual action really can help make up for all that government fails to do: your backyard can provide the margin to keep species alive. Mow less, think more!” Bill McKibben, author of Falter
Review
“Doug Tallamy is a quiet revolutionary and a hero of our time, taking back the future one yard at a time. In Nature’s Best Hope, he shows how each of us can help turn our cities, towns and world into engines of biodiversity and human health.” Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle and Last Child in the Woods
Review
“Tallamy shows how to transform yards into ecological wonderlands full of vibrant life. Your local birds, butterflies, and plants will thank you for learning from his wise advice.” David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen, Pulitzer finalist, and The Songs of Trees
About the Author
Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 95 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 39 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His book Bringing Nature Home was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal by the Garden Writers' Association. The Living Landscape, coauthored with Rick Darke, was published in 2014. Doug's new book Nature's Best Hope will be available February 2020. Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence, and the 2018 AHS B.Y. Morrison Communication Award.