National Geographic Illustrated Guide to Nature: From Your Back Door to the Great Outdoors

by National Geographic Society

Bursting with beautiful images and completely authoritative text, this comprehensive nature field guide will help families, amateur adventurers, and empty nesters enjoy and understand nature--from wilderness camping to their own backyard. This nature guide introduces you to constellations and weather, rocks and minerals, plants and wildflowers, and trees and shrubs. All of the most common varieties in each natural category in North are identified and explained, from quartz and granite to dandelions and oak trees. Learn to read the clouds--and understand why one shape predicts rain and another sunshine. Point out constellations in the night sky and recognize planets visible to the naked eye. Each chapter identifies 160 species or phenomena by giving key information for each plus a readable paragraph accompanied by photos and original art that help you sharpen your eyes and knowledge. Five field guides in one, representing a total of 800 of North America's most common wildflowers, trees, rocks and minerals, constellations, and weather patterns. Generously illustrated and logically organized with pointers, pictures, and identification tips, this is the ultimate field guide, an essential family reference and an excellent starting point for anyone eager to learn more about the natural world.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Science

448 pages, Hardcover

First published November 5, 2013

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[Charlisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with AWESOME facts and illustrations. I wish I could keep it for myself although, I have to give it back to the library.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift from my step-kids. They know me well! This is one of my favorite reference books of all time. I keep it near me in my home in Alaska and in our RV in the summer. Can't wait to use it when we explore the lower 48!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look up the Indian pipe it is so pretty

[Lcharlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love seeing all the wildlife!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with info, but some stuff a bit outdated now. Great photos and good explanations.

[Lina Bello · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to study Nature with. It's broken down into five sections: wildflowers, trees, rocks and minerals, weather and cloud formations and the night sky. I highly recommend this for nature lovers.