Nature and Science
February 2026

Recent Releases
Tigers Between Empires: The Improbable Return of Great Cats to the Forests of Russia...
by Jonathan C. Slaght

In conservation biologist Jonathan C. Slaght’s Tigers Between Empires, he describes a coordinated effort between Russian and American scientists to rescue the wild tigers of the Amur River basin -- a forested area straddling Russia and China -- from unchecked hunting and habitat loss. After decades of work, the population of these magnificent predators is robust and growing. For fans of: The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vaillant.
The Breath of the Gods: The History and Future of the Wind
by Simon Winchester

Author 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.
Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie by Dave Hage
Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie
by Dave Hage

A 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.--Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature 
This Dog Will Change Your Life by Elias Weiss Friedman
This Dog Will Change Your Life
by Elias Weiss Friedman

... weaves together stories of the many dogs Elias has been lucky enough to know, both in his personal life and while doing his Dogist work. Told in a light tone that does not shy away from more serious issues (Elias is not above the occasional sentimental moment or dog pun), this book charmingly explores the ways that dogs are not just our family and our friends but also irreplaceable beings capable of generating boundless love and restoring balance to our lives. In an increasingly alienating and divisive world, there is one clear remedy: the one with four legs that rolls over for belly rubs. Dogs can change our lives, and this book might just change yours.--Provided by publisher.
Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing
by Lili Taylor

Award-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.
Plants
Grass Isn't Greener: The Everyday Conservationist's Guide to Bringing Nature to Your Yard by Danae Wolfe
Grass Isn't Greener: The Everyday Conservationist's Guide to Bringing Nature to Your Yard
by Danae Wolfe

Built around easy-to-digest tips for improving sustainability, this fun, action-oriented guide will help everyone turn their home garden into an earth-friendly habitat.--Provided by publisher.
How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy
How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard
by Douglas W. Tallamy

Interest in landscaping with native plants is at an all-time high, largely thanks to the work of Doug Tallamy. Hundreds of thousands of people have read his books and attended his nationwide lectures over the years. Yet, despite their familiarity with Tallamy's subjects, they still have excellent questions. Here, we get compelling and actionable answers from the man himself on the topics of his expertise: ecology/ evolution, biodiversity, conservation, restoration, native plants, oaks, invasive species, pest control, home landscapes, and supporting wildlife at home--
The Everyday Naturalist: How to Identify Animals, Plants, and Fungi Wherever You Go by Rebecca Lexa
The Everyday Naturalist: How to Identify Animals, Plants, and Fungi Wherever You Go
by Rebecca Lexa

A step-by-step guide to identifying animals, plants, and fungi by learning how to spot and record key traits and characteristics, for nature lovers, amateur naturalists, and citizen scientists--
The Food Forward Garden: A Complete Guide to Designing and Growing Edible Landscapes by Christian Douglas
The Food Forward Garden: A Complete Guide to Designing and Growing Edible Landscapes
by Christian Douglas

In this comprehensive manual, award-winning landscape designer Christian Douglas shows us how the intrinsic beauty and seasonal rhythms of edibles bring a new level of purpose, meaning, and stunning visual pleasure to the home garden.
Contact your librarian for more great books!
629 Poyntz Ave
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
785-776-4741

http://www.MHKLibrary.org

If you have questions, just email us at rhargett@mhklibrary.org