Minnesota's Natural Heritage: Second Edition

The definitive work on Minnesota’s natural history and ecology—updated, expanded, and copiously illustrated to account for profound changes to the state’s natural landscape over the past twenty-five years The story of Minnesota’s natural landscape, reaching back to the time of the glaciers, covers at least 12,000 years. Yet even against that vast expanse, recent decades have significantly transformed the natural world that is Minnesota’s greatest resource. In the twenty-five years since the first publication of Minnesota’s Natural Heritage, the definitive volume on the state’s natural history and ecology, human activity and climate change have profoundly altered the major ecosystems that give our state its rich and varied character. The second edition of Minnesota’s Natural Heritage introduces readers to these ecosystems—the lakes and rivers, forests and prairies, farmlands and wetlands—and explains how they have come to be, how they function, and how they have changed so rapidly and dramatically in recent years. Full-color illustrations document the state’s striking natural beauty in all its vigor and fragility, while maps, drawings, diagrams, and graphs amplify points of historical, ecological, and geological interest. The most complete treatment of Minnesota’s natural environment, compiled and accessibly written by scientists whose collective knowledge spans the book’s expansive content, Minnesota’s Natural Heritage is the one indispensable companion for both visitors and inhabitants, as enlightening to page through as it is valuable to study.

Table of Contents:
Contents Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Acknowledgments 1. The Landscape Geologic History Changing Landscapes Since Glaciation The Present Landscape 2. Climate and Weather Solar Radiation Temperature Precipitation Clouds Wind Observed Climate Change 3. Principles of Ecology Environment Ecosystem Structure and Function Populations and Communities 4. Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forest Ecology Animals and Community Interactions Forest Management and Conservation in Minnesota 5. Northern Coniferous Forest Northern Coniferous Forest Ecology Animals and Community Interactions Present Status of the Northern Coniferous Forest 6. Tallgrass Prairie Prairie Forest Border Tallgrass Prairie Ecology Animals and Community Interactions Present Status of the Tallgrass Prairie 7. Wetlands Prairie Wetlands Animals and Community Interactions in Prairie Wetlands Peatlands Animals and Community Interactions in Peatlands Other Wetlands Occurring in Minnesota Present Status of Wetlands 8. Lakes Formation and Distribution Physical and Chemical Characteristics Lake Communities Ecosystem Function Animals and Community Interactions Minnesota’s Lakes Present Status of Minnesota’s Lakes 9. Streams and Rivers Origins of Streams and Rivers Physical and Chemical Characteristics Stream Communities Ecosystem Function River Continuum Concept Animals and Community Interactions Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers Present Status of Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers 10. The Future Stemming Habitat Loss Feeding a Growing Human Population Sustainably Adapting to a Changing Climate Reversing the Spread of Invasive Species Reducing Damaging Chemicals in the Environment Recovering Threatened Species Populations Planning Statewide Conservation Action Restoring Ecosystems A Perspective to Live With Appendixes A. Counties and Major Rivers in Minnesota B. Trees and Shrubs Found in Minnesota C. Common Herbs Found in Minnesota D. Mammals Found in Minnesota E. Birds Breeding in Minnesota F. Amphibians and Reptiles Found in Minnesota G. Fishes Found in Minnesota H. Metric Equivalents of English Weights and Measures Literature Cited Permissions Index