At the Water's Edge: Nature Study in Lakes, Streams, and Ponds

by Alan M. Cvancara

Explores the basics of freshwater ecology--the workings of lakes, ponds and streams--as learned while traveling by canoe or kayak, or while hiking or snorkeling. Answers questions such as, ``Of what good are mosquitoes?'' and ``Of what harm is acid rain to lakes and streams?'' Includes more than 100 illustrations of aquatic life and associated environments. One chapter covers a hypothetical three-day solo journey. A list of select national wildlife refuges featuring freshwater environments is also included.

Paperback

First published April 25, 1989

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The back cover states that this book is "a perfect companion book to all your nature guides." To this I wholeheartedly agree. Cvancara beautifully illustrates the diversity and intrigue of water ecosystems, summarizing much of what is covered in graduate and undergraduate level limnology, fisheries biology, steam ecology and zoology classes. I particularly enjoyed the chance to briefly revisit interesting lessons learned in school such as how some muscles mimic the fish they depend on for reproduction, or how a snail darter, a 3 inch fish that inhabits the Tennessee River, temporarily halted the building of a dam in the 1970s.

While certainly targeted to younger, less experienced audiences, you're still likely to discover something new, whether it be about predicting the weather, tips on how to canoe or kayak, what lens to buy for that new camera, how nutrients cycle through ecosystems, where to find a particular insect, what an animal does in winter, how pollution impacts water bodies, or simply how to enjoy aquatic landscapes to the fullest. The last chapter in which Cvancara takes us on a hypothetical solo kayak journey through lakes and streams is inspiring and gets me excited for the weather to warm up so I can go on another adventure myself, with heightened awareness of the treasures to be found.

The reason this book works best as a companion book, rather than on its own is that it mentions dozens of species and is limited by the number of illustrations provided. Someone with minimal exposure to the animals and plants discussed would enjoy it more fully with illustrated guidebooks, or at the very least expect to need a computer handy for quick Google searches.

The chapter on pollution, while still highly relevant is slightly dated in its presentation, following much of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring in content of the pesticides mentioned.

Overall, I was very pleased by the broad coverage of the subject matter and readability of this book. Each of the chapters run smoothly into each other and even the more complex material such as the chemistry in early chapters were not burdensome. I would especially recommend this book to new kayak or canoe owners or those planning trips with rentals.