| An Island Called California : An Ecological Introduction to Its Natural
Communities I've nearly worn out my copy of this book which is a guide to nearly every kind of major natural environment to be found in the Golden State. Bakker describes -- in readable prose -- the animals and plants which make up California wildlands. Her subjects are sometimes as broad as the chaparral-covered hills and sometimes as narrow as a single Joshua Tree. She celebrates life in all its diversity. No reader or traveler to natural California should be without this book. |
 | The California Landscape Garden : Ecology, Culture, and Design
The beauty, resources, and natural processes of the California landscape are brought to the home garden in Mark Francis and Andreas Reimann's fine testament to ecological gardening. The authors connect history, culture, region, and design to help us understand how California and its human population have evolved historically and how individuals today can make a difference in the state's future in their own backyards. The authors' goal is to bring the history of the California garden up to date with the ecological and cultural concerns of our time. |
 | Sagebrush and Cappuccino : Confessions of an LA Naturalist Think of wilderness and inner city L. A. doesn’t usually come to mind; but for David Wieinas the last wildlands in the city have prompted much fascination and study. Torn between cafes and trails, he hikes the boundaries of the city and examines urban and wilderness blends within city confines. |
 | Early Uses of California Plants
Learn how Native Californians and early settlers used the plant life of the chaparral for food, medical, and other purposes. An ideal, economical book for the student, the educator, and amateur naturalist. |
 | A Field Guide to Pacific States Wildflowers
Peterson guides are by far the best nature identification handbooks you can carry. The full-color illustrations help you to identify the plant at hand with little trouble. All lovers of California nature should have this guide. |
 | California Butterflies
The decline in butterfly populations across the Golden State due to pesticides and habitat destruction is one of the more shocking stories of our century. This useful guide helps you to identify the few which are left. |
 | California Grizzly by Tracy I. Storer, Lloyd P. Tevis (Contributor), Rick Bass The chaparral was the principle habitat of the California Grizzly, now extinct. This excellent book talks about the biology, folklore, cultural significance, and other aspects of this lost omnivore. An essential book for anyone interested in California history and nature. |
 | The California Quail by Aldo Starker Leopold This book by the author of A Sand County Almanac discusses the habits of one of the chaparral's livelier residents. |