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Natural Connections: Exploring Northwoods Nature Through Science and Your Senses
Come explore all four wonderful seasons in the Northwoods with a knowledgable guide. At the heart of this book is Emily's passion for sharing her discoveries with both kids and adults. Join her on a hike, paddle, or ski, and you'll soon be captivated by her animated style and knack for turning any old thing into a shining bit of stardust. In stories about the smell of rain, cheating ants, photo synthesizing salamanders, and more, she delves deeply into the surprising science behind our Northwoods neighbors, and then emerges with a more complex understanding of their beauty. While this book contains many of your familiar friends, through Emily's research and unique perspective, you will discovers something new on every page and around every bend in the trail.
- GenresNonfiction
293 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 17, 2025
For those who love nature in the Northwoods, a collection of newspaper columns written by a female scientist in Cable, Wisconsin.
November 26, 2025
Extraordinarily well written. Non-fiction set in Northern Wisconsin, but enjoyable for anyone who has any interest in natural science. It’s a seasonal journal.
Don’t let the fact that it’s a niche publisher turn you off. I could only find it through the Cable Museum of Natural History. It deserves wider distribution.
It has enough nature to engage anyone with that interest, and just enough science to keep the amateur natural scientist interested. It’s charming without being too sweet. It’s personal enough to read like a story.
She is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalist. But what makes it really stand out is the writing.
Don’t let the fact that it’s a niche publisher turn you off. I could only find it through the Cable Museum of Natural History. It deserves wider distribution.
It has enough nature to engage anyone with that interest, and just enough science to keep the amateur natural scientist interested. It’s charming without being too sweet. It’s personal enough to read like a story.
She is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalist. But what makes it really stand out is the writing.
July 13, 2018
I work in nature every day but I have often take. It for granted. Same old trees, scat, people, etc. However, now while walking in the woods with the dog I find myself noticing nature more. That burnt spot on the tree, the historical trash midden I’ve walked by 100 times, the feather from an unknown bird.
I felt I was walking, skiing, or biking in the north woods. I learned new things about birds, mammals, and flowers. The boom definitely makes me want to go check out the north woods in person.
I felt I was walking, skiing, or biking in the north woods. I learned new things about birds, mammals, and flowers. The boom definitely makes me want to go check out the north woods in person.
October 28, 2019
Natural Connections is a very good book about nature. The book is a trip through nature's seasons, starting with spring and going through winter. The chapters focus on plants, flowers, insects, trees, and animals. The chapters are educational and entertaining. The book is well written. And the chapters are short enough to read to children, and the stories are interesting enough to hold their attention.
Last Saturday my husband and I were on our deck, and he said, "Look at the woodpecker on the trunk of the tree by the clothesline." I said, "That's a pileated woodpecker." I knew that because I'd just read about them in Emily Stone's book. The woodpecker flew away toward the east. Suddenly another one appeared, and I said to my husband, "Look, that's probably the other one's mate." I'd learned that pileated woodpeckers mate for life in Stone's book.
This is a good book to refer to as the seasons change around us. Also, Stone's book helps readers understand that the environment is important and that plants, animals, and insects are all important and connected.
Last Saturday my husband and I were on our deck, and he said, "Look at the woodpecker on the trunk of the tree by the clothesline." I said, "That's a pileated woodpecker." I knew that because I'd just read about them in Emily Stone's book. The woodpecker flew away toward the east. Suddenly another one appeared, and I said to my husband, "Look, that's probably the other one's mate." I'd learned that pileated woodpeckers mate for life in Stone's book.
This is a good book to refer to as the seasons change around us. Also, Stone's book helps readers understand that the environment is important and that plants, animals, and insects are all important and connected.
August 1, 2025
I got this book at the Natural History Museum in Cable and loved it! I love Wisconsin and this book made me look forward to each season and all of its unique qualities that come with each of them. As a summer lover it made me want to appreciate winter more and try to have better observation skills in winter. Love supporting local authors and this has made me appreciate the northwoods even more than I already do.
August 31, 2020
This little book is packed with savvy science and fabulous observations throughout Emily’s time in the north woods. I want to read each season as it unfolds again. Great to have a local nature book describing the seasons where we live.
March 11, 2023
Amazing intersection of feeling, scientific research and awe.
“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper” Eden Phillpotts
Things I learned:
Pine Bark Beetles have very long antennae, which which they sense dead or stressed trees. A healthy tree would defend itself with sap against the bug. Once the eggs hatch, the feed on the inner most part of the tree (where sugar gets transported).
Glacier-kettles - basins (ice cubes left under sand)
Deflection marks: false eyes on butterfly wings, false head on caterpillars, spots on weasel tails.
“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper” Eden Phillpotts
Things I learned:
Pine Bark Beetles have very long antennae, which which they sense dead or stressed trees. A healthy tree would defend itself with sap against the bug. Once the eggs hatch, the feed on the inner most part of the tree (where sugar gets transported).
Glacier-kettles - basins (ice cubes left under sand)
Deflection marks: false eyes on butterfly wings, false head on caterpillars, spots on weasel tails.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews