Nature and Science February 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species
by Trevor Ritland
In The Golden Toad, Trevor and Kyle set off to investigate an environmental mystery with unexpected revelations, a story that speaks to our own collective and uncertain future. Guided by Costa Rican naturalists--including the last person to have seen the golden toad alive--Trevor searches for survivors while Kyle hunts the killer, and their paths lead them through an imperiled forest, a deadly pandemic, and a changing climate, finally intertwining at the site of the golden toad's last emergence deep in Monteverde's Bosque Eterno de Los Niänos--
|
|
|
|
Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America by Trent PreszlerA sweeping natural history of the humble trees that built nations, sparked wars, and became the world's most cherished holiday tradition. Every December, millions of people around the globe adorn their homes, offices, and town squares with lavishly decorated Christmas trees to celebrate the holiday season. Yet few pause to wonder: Where did this tradition come from? And in an age of climate upheaval and artificial replicas, will these beloved trees still be here for future generations? In Evergreen, Cornell University professor Trent Preszler weaves together a captivating story of humanity's deeply rooted relationship with evergreens, revealing how the trees shaped economies, launched cultural movements, and propelled America's rise to global prominence.
|
|
|
|
Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie by Dave HageA vivid portrait of the American prairie, which rivals the rainforest in its biological diversity and, with little notice, is disappearing even faster. This book describes--in loving, living prose--one of the world's greatest and most important landscapes. And it does so while there's still time to save some serious part of it. Farmers can protect this extraordinary landscape, but trying new ideas can mean ruin in a business with razor-thin margins, and will require help from Washington, D.C., and from consumers. Veteran journalists and midwesterners Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty reveal humanity's relationship with this incredible land, offering a deep, compassionate analysis of the difficult decisions as well as opportunities facing agricultural and Indigenous communities. Sea of Grass is a vivid portrait of a miraculous ecosystem that makes clear why the future of this region is of essential concern far beyond the heartland.
|
|
| The Breath of the Gods: The History and Future of the Wind by Simon WinchesterAuthor and journalist Simon Winchester presents a celebration of wind. Drawing fascinating references from science, engineering, and literature, Winchester is clearly enraptured by this natural force, evidenced by his vivid depictions of its role in civilization’s destruction (typhoons, tornadoes, wildfires) and salvation (wind-powered energy solutions). This is a captivating ode to elemental nature in the vein of Cynthia Barnett’s Rain: A Natural and Cultural History. |
|
|
|
Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration
by Rebecca Heisman
For the past century, scientists and naturalists have been steadily unravelling the secrets of bird migration. How and why birds navigate the skies, traveling from continent to continent--flying thousands of miles across the earth each fall and spring--has continually fascinated the human imagination, but only recently have we been able to fully understand these amazing journeys. Although we know much more than ever before, even the most enthusiastic birdwatcher may not know how we got here, the ways that the full breadth of scientific disciplines have come together to reveal these annual avian travels.--
|
|
| Bird City: Adventures in New York's Urban Wilds by Ryan GoldbergJournalist Ryan Goldberg debuts with a vividly descriptive account of urban birdwatching in New York City. The author shares his enthusiasm with an expansive community of birders who join him in his forays through the parks and neighborhoods that provide sanctuary to over 400 species. Along the way, readers will learn about urban environmentalism, wildlife hazards, and little-known facts about the author’s home city. Read-alike: Birding Without Borders by Noah Strycker. |
|
| Starlings: The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird by Mike StarkEven bird lovers have a love-hate relationship with the European, or common, starling. They are an extremely invasive species that were introduced in the late 19th century and quickly spread across North America, competing with native birds for food and nesting space. Yet these clever creatures are skilled mimics and hypnotic to watch in flight, wheeling in enormous, agile flocks called “murmurations.” Author Mike Stark gives a comprehensive look in this “captivating read” (Booklist). |
|
| The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris SweeneyJournalist Chris Sweeney's richly detailed debut profiles pioneering forensic ornithologist and Smithsonian Institution taxidermist Roxie Laybourne (1910-2003), who utilized her avian expertise to solve murders, investigate poaching activities, and inspect bird-related plane crashes, the latter of which led to aircraft safety reforms. For fans of: The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace Johnson. |
|
| Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing by Lili TaylorAward-winning actor Lili Taylor first became a birdwatcher and nature advocate about 15 years ago during a break between film projects. She noticed how observing the sparrows and jays outside her house awakened her senses, especially her ability to listen, a skill she prizes in her acting work. Today she goes birding whenever she can, in the city and country, and will inspire her readers to rediscover the gift of noticing the world around them. For fans of: Amy Tan’s The Backyard Bird Chronicles. |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|