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Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals among California's Oaks
A Californian may vacation in Yosemite, Big Sur, or Death Valley, but many of us come home to an oak woodland. Yet, while common, oak woodlands are anything but ordinary. In a book rich in illustration and suffused with wonder, author Kate Marianchild combines extensive research and years of personal experience to explore some of the marvelous plants and animals that the oak woodlands nurture. Acorn woodpeckers unite in marriages of up to ten mates and raise their young cooperatively. Ground squirrels roll in rattlesnake skins to hide their scent from hungry snakes. Manzanita's rust-colored, paper-thin bark peels away in time for the summer solstice, exposing sinuous contours that are cool to the touch even on the hottest day. Conveying up-to-the-minute scientific findings with a storyteller's skill, Marianchild introduces us to a host of remarkable creatures in a world close by, a world that rustles, hums, and sings with the sounds of wild things.
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
53 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 21, 2019
An engaging, conversation book about the flora and fauna that inhabit Calforina's oak woodlands. Many of the species discussed are "keystone species", ones that support many others in the ecosystem and help the whole forest stay healthy. Marianchild has done a lot of close observation, as well as research, and interesting tidbits and personal anecdotes fill each chapter. I had no idea that humans are practically the only species allergic to poison oak, the berries of which feed tons of insects, birds and mammals. I was unaware of the complex family structures of acorn woodpeckers, oak titmouse birds, Western bluebirds and scrub-jays. The relationship of Western fence lizards and Lime-carrying ticks is more complicated that I had previously realized. If you are local to California, or planning a visit, this is a great book to learn more about the plant and animal lives going on all around us, often just out of sight.
December 30, 2016
A modern bestiary.
This is a nifty book of natural history. Marianchild does something too many nature-writers do not: focus on the nature at hand, and make it as mysterious and wonderful as that which is far away.
Here, she takes one of California's signature ecotypes, the oak woodlands, and examines its denizens, animal, plant, and fungal, not neglecting--indeed, even celebrating--those that are most common and easily ignored. Thus, there are chapters on grey squirrels, on mistletoe, and on scrub jays, among other creatures. She mostly ignores the oaks themselves, but instead looks at the flora and fauna that live under, in, and around them.
Each chapter focuses on one form of life, starting with its Latin name, and translating it--this is scientific taxonomy, but also reminiscent of medieval and early modern bestiaries, in which the name holds a clue to the soul of the creature. She then gives a highlight of the chapter--not unlike nineteenth-century novels.
The chapters themselves have the homey-ness of Victorian nature books, and the blending of fact, fiction, and fable common to older bestiaries--though Marianchild is also a careful scholar, and she labels which is which.
She has done a great deal of research, in the scientific and ethnographic literature, as well as in secondary sources, and synthesizes it very well. One can learn as much about bird intelligence in the short chapter on scrub jays as in Jennifer Ackerman's entire book on the genius of birds. And there is a great deal about symbiosis and the structure of forests that is reminiscent of "I Contain Multitudes"--though this book predates both of those by two years.
A handy reference to return to again and again. One that pairs well with Glenn Keator's "The Life of an Oak."
This is a nifty book of natural history. Marianchild does something too many nature-writers do not: focus on the nature at hand, and make it as mysterious and wonderful as that which is far away.
Here, she takes one of California's signature ecotypes, the oak woodlands, and examines its denizens, animal, plant, and fungal, not neglecting--indeed, even celebrating--those that are most common and easily ignored. Thus, there are chapters on grey squirrels, on mistletoe, and on scrub jays, among other creatures. She mostly ignores the oaks themselves, but instead looks at the flora and fauna that live under, in, and around them.
Each chapter focuses on one form of life, starting with its Latin name, and translating it--this is scientific taxonomy, but also reminiscent of medieval and early modern bestiaries, in which the name holds a clue to the soul of the creature. She then gives a highlight of the chapter--not unlike nineteenth-century novels.
The chapters themselves have the homey-ness of Victorian nature books, and the blending of fact, fiction, and fable common to older bestiaries--though Marianchild is also a careful scholar, and she labels which is which.
She has done a great deal of research, in the scientific and ethnographic literature, as well as in secondary sources, and synthesizes it very well. One can learn as much about bird intelligence in the short chapter on scrub jays as in Jennifer Ackerman's entire book on the genius of birds. And there is a great deal about symbiosis and the structure of forests that is reminiscent of "I Contain Multitudes"--though this book predates both of those by two years.
A handy reference to return to again and again. One that pairs well with Glenn Keator's "The Life of an Oak."
February 2, 2018
Did you know that Blue Belly Lizards have a 3rd eye? Most people don't know this important tidbit of information. If you want to find out, read this book! We hike in the Sutter Buttes all winter long with field trips of students. This season we hiked around 1500 3rd, 4th & 5th graders and introduced them to the wonders of nature. This book, "Secret's of the Oak Woodland" has been an excellent source of information about the Oak Woodlands, like the Sutter Buttes in the Sacramento Valley of California. We have 3 types of oak trees, Interior Live Oak, Blue Oaks & Valley Oaks and the plant and animal habitat of an oak woodland in a volcanic setting. In this book we have learned all sorts of wonderful facts about this beautiful habitat and how they intertwine and support one another. It is a brilliant read and I hope to meet Kate Marianchild someday and learn more from her. Middle Mountain Education Program Guide in the Sutter Buttes, (world's smallest mountain range!)
June 17, 2022
this is one of the most delightful books I've ever read. Marianchild's prose is so full of love and tenderness for the oak woodlands, and the accompanying illustrations are equal parts adorable and eye-catching. This book is ultimately a love letter, one that causes the reader to fall in love with the complex and rich world that is the oak woodlands. I learned so much about the wildlife explored in the book, but beyond that, I learned how to actually pay mindful attention to the oak woodlands and chaparral in my own backyard. I can't wait to go back out there and fall in love all over again.
January 20, 2018
While it only covers 20-30ish species, it does so it a delightful, informative way. For me it likes having a naturalist tell you lots of interesting things about the species--*why* I should care--rather than just bland facts about where it grows and how tall it gets. If you like hiking in Northern California, I highly recommend this book!
August 12, 2016
This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about the predominant landscape in Northern California (and other parts of California, as well).
I had been searching for a book on this topic for years, but gave up after finding nothing. Then I came across the book in the Norton Simon Museum bookshop and snapped it up. I can't believe I had seen it before. Now I see it everywhere, including on a recent trip to Muir Woods.
It's an excellent introduction to the major flora and fauna, how they fit together and how the ecosystem works. The studies of animal behavior are fascinating.
I had been searching for a book on this topic for years, but gave up after finding nothing. Then I came across the book in the Norton Simon Museum bookshop and snapped it up. I can't believe I had seen it before. Now I see it everywhere, including on a recent trip to Muir Woods.
It's an excellent introduction to the major flora and fauna, how they fit together and how the ecosystem works. The studies of animal behavior are fascinating.
December 25, 2024
Great read! I like how the book is organized and how each chapter focuses on a different keystone species in the oak woodlands. She includes fascinating, in depth information and I enjoyed her humorous writing. The watercolor illustrations are stunning.
I liked the part about how Western bluebirds and Violet green swallows have been observed taking turns using a nest cavity and that the swallows were even seen helping to feed the bluebird nestlings!! She did a good job showing how the various species are interconnected.
Also loved that poison oak was one of the species included in the book because that is an under appreciated plant from the human perspective that does so much for the animals.
I ended up getting a pair of close focusing binoculars and can’t wait to admire the Buckeye flowers when they come out in the spring.
I liked the part about how Western bluebirds and Violet green swallows have been observed taking turns using a nest cavity and that the swallows were even seen helping to feed the bluebird nestlings!! She did a good job showing how the various species are interconnected.
Also loved that poison oak was one of the species included in the book because that is an under appreciated plant from the human perspective that does so much for the animals.
I ended up getting a pair of close focusing binoculars and can’t wait to admire the Buckeye flowers when they come out in the spring.
January 4, 2020
This is a wonderful introduction to a variety of animals that survive in the California Oak Woodlands. If you have ever gone on a hike and had some questions about the animals you see, this is the book for you! Creative and funny, the author walks you through some of the more important episodes of these creatures. It is not a dense scientific tome but more like a series of short stories, each well researched and written with insight and empathy. Here's one of the more wild things I learned: bumblebees that want the pollen of the manzanita bush have to disengage their wings from the muscles then vibrate those muscles at a certain energy producing a note that causes the blossom to open and shoot its pollen outward toward the bee. How amazing is that?! Read the entire book to learn more!
July 12, 2019
Very enjoyable and informative read about various life in the Oak Woodlands. I enjoyed her stories about how native Americans interacted with or used the plants, animales and fungi she wrote about. I found her statements about the evoluntionary process to be mis-leading. For example in her chapter on the California Buckeye she wrote "In a stroke of evolutionary genius, this summer-deciduous species begins to go dormant as early as July...". This statement sounds like the tree makes a decision, while the evolutionary process is dictated by natural forces. She does incorporate many other scientific aspects well.
April 29, 2023
Exceptional book that I go back to again and again. Shebis a true storyteller, winding scientific information into tales about flora and fauna that stick with you. I love that each organism is given its own chapter so that you can move around as it interests you or go back and review a chapter about a critter or plants that you've just encountered on a hike. I gift this book to other naturalists and nature lovers and have gone through a copy, it's binding breaking having been opened so many times. I wish this was require reading in California schools since the oak woodlands are such an important, and large area wise, part of our state
July 1, 2017
I've a lifetime devotion to hiking, photographing and preserving California's oak woodlands. I thought I knew a lot about the plants and animals in this ecosystem but I was amazed and astounded by the things I learned from this book. This book has changed the way I look at the natural world. The interwoven fabric of life is much finer and more complex than we ever imagined. The author proves that environmental science has a great detail to tell us about the planet we love.
November 11, 2017
This books covers the plants & animals that make up an Oak Woodlands. It has a lot of detailed information on each of the inhabitants & the habitat, so much information that I could barely process most of it.
As it was gifted to every Garden Docent, I know I'll be using the information in it for my tours, which makes it very useful.
I did not really like the writing or the manner in which it was arranged, so I knocked it down 2 stars.
As it was gifted to every Garden Docent, I know I'll be using the information in it for my tours, which makes it very useful.
I did not really like the writing or the manner in which it was arranged, so I knocked it down 2 stars.
November 2, 2020
Aside from some annoying errors by the printer, like leaving out the end of a paragraph on quail, the pictures, info layout/summaries, and commentary are wonder inducing and full of info I’d never come across before. Did you know that California newts have more tetrodotoxin than a puffer fish? Anyway, a good read for naturalists and the curious.
April 3, 2024
Was lovely and moving insights into the beautiful worlds of several species. I love the way it's organized and written, each chapter you're intimately introduced to someone new and told their habits, their wisdom, and how they benefit ecosystem as a whole. I especially loved the acorn woodpecker, California salamander, western scrub Jay, and woodrat chapters.
February 1, 2018
I was expecting this to be a very general read, almost something for kids, and was delighted to find such a factual trove of information inside, all written in a highly engaging style and with beautiful illustrations. I hope Ms. Marianchild writes a sequel soon.
June 9, 2019
This is a marvelous, lively, personable book about the denizens who surround my home in northwestern Sonoma County, California. It has enabled be to be more understanding as well as more curious about the creatures around me and thirst for more knowledge about them.
February 26, 2021
If you have a chance to hear Kate Marianchild give a talk/webinar; do it. This is an antidotal book filled with more information than my brain could process. Highly recommend if you hike, ride or enjoy oak country.
Read
October 27, 2024It was fascinating to learn about Oak woodlands not by learning about Oaks themselves, but by learning about flora, fauna and fungi that help sustain them. A field guide of sorts, but much more in depth and narrative than one might expect
January 25, 2025
If you live in or near oak woodlands, this book is so fun. The author is playful and curious and all of these things are a step outside your door. You’ll find yourself noticing things you’ve previously overlooked in your own backyard.
July 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this collection of facts and stories of many plants and animals in our back yard. Full of interesting facts, I will come back to again and again.
April 30, 2020
Wonderfully interesting and informative for those of us who live in the oak woodlands. Highly recommended for Northern California residents.
July 12, 2022
Fun little book!
March 22, 2023
I love this book! Fascinating facts about over twenty plants and animals that together make up this unique ecosystem.
November 22, 2023
Beautifully researched and illustrated.
April 30, 2024
Fabulous book, must read for anyone living in or near oak woodlands! Honestly almost all parts of California are touched upon. I learned so much!
August 29, 2025
Very informational. I learned a lot about oak woodlands! The style of writing is very fun and engaging.
May 28, 2023
Such a beautiful book about the ecology of the Oak Woodlands! I loved the watercolor illustrations and the explanation of how all the plants and animals of this ecosystem work together.
February 25, 2023
Beautifully written and illustrated book that opens up a world within a world. They way she writes kept me engaged and interested in learning more. After reading Kate's book, I have a new respect and understanding of this natural ecosystem. Even more than that I have an elevated understanding of what we have to lose by continuing to design our human ecosystem without enough regard for the way the natural ecosystem function to create a healthy environment.
Thanks Kate Marionchild for this great introduction into my new big backyard.
Don't miss her many in person and online talks about her book and oak woodlands.
Thanks Kate Marionchild for this great introduction into my new big backyard.
Don't miss her many in person and online talks about her book and oak woodlands.
April 2, 2015
Delightful book! I hope the author does more. Each chapter is (in general) devoted to a species (animals, plants, fungi), with interesting behavior and habitat note. Highly recommended! The perfect book for anyone who enjoys walking in the Laguna preserve or similar oak savannah habitats.
January 9, 2017
Scrub jays live as coupled pairs, acorn woodpeckers feed each other's babies, badgers and coyotes hunt TOGETHER?! More than just a guide-book, you are inspired to share Marianchild's love and joy for life and history. Super sweet book and illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews