The Natural History of Big Sur

California Natural History Guides #57

by Paul Henson, Donald J. Usner, Valerie A. Kells (Illustrator)

Each year millions of people visit the area of rugged California coastline and wild mountains known as Big Sur. Finally here is a book that is both a natural history of this beautiful region and an excellent guide to its extensive public lands. The first section introduces the area's geology, climate, flora, fauna, and human history. The second section describes selected sites, trails, and features that are mentioned in Part One.

Although Big Sur is world famous for awe-inspiring scenery, it is less known for its great ecological diversity and its significance as a haven for many species of terrestrial and marine wildlife. In no other part of the world do fog-loving coastal redwoods thrive on one slope of a canyon while arid-climate yuccas grow on the other. Similarly, sea otters and cormorants live near dry-climate creatures like canyon wrens and whiptail lizards. The area's staggering beauty and forbidding wilderness have inspired artists, poets, naturalists, and hikers―and also real estate developers.

As increasing tourism, development pressure, and land-use decisions continue to affect Big Sur, this book will do much to heighten awareness of the region's biotic richness and fragility. Written in nontechnical language, with generous color photographs, drawings, maps, species lists, and a bibliography, it will attract both the casual and the serious naturalist, as well as anyone concerned about preserving California's natural heritage.

Genres: Travel, Nature, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 1993

Reviews

[Peter Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good guidebook. 1993 book, so some of the guidebook info is a bit out of date. California Natural History Guides #57.

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the Big Sur region’s natural history, including flora, fauna, geology, weather/tides, maps, and park and trail field guides. A little outdated, but still relevant as a reference to the area.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Sur has to be one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural places in California - and there are many to choose from! One of my favorite drives is the drive along Naciemento - Furgusson Road up to Cone Peak. On the eastern side of this road are excellent specimens of the rare Santa Lucia fir (with long bract-tipped cones). Another favorite is the 8 mile backpack trail into Sykes hot springs (the springs are well-hidden along the south bank of the Big Sur River). And I keep looking up hoping to someday spot one of the reintroduced California Condors. All these are well-described and illustrated in this excellent natural history.

[Sylvia Kleindinst]

I think this book would add some good background on the Big Sur area. I'd like a variety of view points.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was studying archaeology on the central coast. It was very helpful and interesting.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

It must have taken a colossal effort to compile all of he information in this book. For the traveller interested in the details behind the stunning landscape of Big Sur, this is the book for you.

[Baxter Clare Trautman]

Thinking of setting my next Frank novel here, somewhere along Steinbeck's "dark and brooding" Santa Lucia range. Any suggestions?

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a geology class/trip. Covers everything from plants, animals, weather, and more . Great book.

[Amadeus Leitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Photos of Big Sur by Don Usner with a rich and informative text.