Northwest Arid Lands: An Introduction to the Columbia Basin Shrub-Steppe

From the talus slopes of the Saddle Mountains to peachleaf willows at Rattlesnake Springs, Northwest Arid Lands explores the rich variety of life in shrub-steppe lands of the Columbia River Basin. This significant but long overshadowed region of the interior West is the site of one of the country's most recent national monuments. Designed to be easily carried in the field, this book is for everyone who loves natural history. Whether used to explore the new Hanford Reach National Monument or a backyard, the book will serve as a useful guide to the shrub-steppe region. Features: Color photos and maps of shrub-steppe plants and animals; Lists and illustrations of common plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, birds, fish, and species of conservation concern; Tips on places to see wildflowers and wildlife; Geologic travel logs from the Tri-Cities to Seattle and Spokane; Comprehensive bibliography and definitions of ecological terms; Voices and visions of local ecologists, biologists, and geologists