Watersheds

About the Book

Water is our most vital resource. Yet few understand even the basics of watershed ecology Watersheds: A Practical Handbook for Healthy Water provides a fascinating overview of the fundamentals of ecology from the simple concept of a watershed to the biological intricacies of a wetland ecosystem and its implications on the environment. More than 100 illustrations, especially done for this book, help explain the numerous environmental issues and the intricate web of life that connect each of us to all other life on the planet through out involvement in the watershed cycle. Watersheds includes information on: .water and nutrient cycles .bioregions and aquatic habitats .exotic species invasions - water and air pollution .ecological restoration .habitat loss Special "How Can I Help?" sections throughout the book provide practical and meaningful ways in which individuals can make a difference to the health of watersheds by reducing water and air pollution, preserving native forests, and helping restore the health of streams and rivers. AUTHOR: Clive Dobson is a multi-disciplined Toronto-based artist whose range of work reflects his concern for the rapidly changing North American landscape. Gregor Gilpin Beck is a research biologist and writer specializing in ecology, environmental education and conservation. He teaches college and university courses in water pollution, biology and ecology in Toronto. 100 colour illustrations

About the Author :

Clive Dobson is a multi-disciplined Toronto-based artist whose range of work reflects his concern for the rapidly changing North American landscape.

Gregor Gilpin Beck is a research biologist and writer specializing in ecology, environmental education and conservation. He teaches college and university courses in water pollution, biology and ecology in Toronto.

Review :
A Recommended Book. Watersheds brings to its readers an enticing survey of the essential elements of water ecology. From the elementary concept of a watershed to more intricate biological aspects of wetland ecosystems and their impact upon the environment, this book delivers the most up-to-date scientific information in a simplified format and writing style... Clive Dobson's more than 100 beautifully crafted color illustrations augment the text and make reading the book easy, informative, and enjoyable... This handbook will be a useful resource for middle and high school teachers as well as high school students.--Arthur Carin, professor emeritus "National Science Teachers Association" (11/1/2009 12:00:00 AM) Should be required reading for every citizen ... This book clearly explains the value of clean water, wetlands, and proper watershed management.--Scott Salaway "Mercury" This is a good book, mainly because it covers a wide range of watershed-related issues in a reader-friendly style.--John D. Owens "Science Books and Films" (3/1/2000 12:00:00 AM) This is a good reference for older children and interested grown-ups. It's all about water -life-giving water that is the most precious resource on the planet, yet one of the most poorly understood. It's clearly and simply written by biologist Gregor Beck, who explains what a watershed is--essentially a region that drains into a particular body of water. Clive Dobson's lovely watercolour renderings help us quickly grasp the interconnectivity of our water systems, of life.... There are sections about the ecology of hard-working marshes, ponds and estuaries, and an explanation of why floods are devastating but important. I like how the book connects human actions to the health of our watersheds, and provides pages of useful tips: raking leaves by hand instead of using polluting leaf blowers; properly disposing of hazardous household products, not dumping them down the drain; and pulling weeds by hand instead of spraying them with toxins. There's also a hopeful section on restoring the health of streams and rivers.--Valerie Berenyi "Calgary Herald" (6/18/2011 12:00:00 AM) This is an essential reference for senior elementary and older students, as well as for interested citizens.-- "Green Teacher" (6/1/2000 12:00:00 AM) This is an excellent primer on ecology, simply written and charmingly illustrated with more than 100 watercolors.-- "Canadian Geographic" (5/1/2000 12:00:00 AM) Watersheds seeks to explain simply why putting poisons in the water is bad by showing how watersheds work, how all water systems -- streams, sewers, rivers, oceans, our own plumbing -- are interconnected and interdependent. ... The author's method is excellent. ... It would make a good supplementary text for a high school biology class, but would also be nice for the ecologically conscious parent.--Katherine E. Gillen "Kliatt" (11/1/1999 12:00:00 AM) You flush the toilet, then go to the sink and get yourself a glass of water -- water that may be coming from the same place your toilet content was just sent. Perhaps being a little more educated on watersheds and how to protect them isn't such a bad thing. Watersheds: A Practical Handbook for Healthy Water, a heavily illustrated recent re-release of a 1999 book, touches on a wide range of topics, from how seasonal temperature patterns affect oxygen levels in lakes to the many ways in which humans negatively alter natural cycles -- releasing substances that cause ozone depletion and acid rain, clear-cutting forests and, yes, treating sewage without properly filtering toxins. The book is full of tips on how to ease your ecological footprint -- for example, instead of using road salt, try sand on your steps or, say, an old-fashioned shovel. Watersheds may be too basic for established environmentalists, but it will be appreciated by curious readers concerned about what happens to their toilet water when they flush.--Michelle Hampson "Canadian Geographic" (6/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)