Scenic Science of the National Parks: An Explorer's Guide to Wildlife, Geology, and Botany

by Emily Hoff, Maygen Keller

Discover a fresh perspective on America's National Parks in a stunning illustrated guide featuring fascinating science, fun trivia, and helpful insider travel tips for all sixty parks.

What caused the stone arches in Arches National Park? Why are Yellowstone's geothermal pools such wild colors? How did the Badlands get their name? America's sixty National Parks are some of the most beautiful unique, and biodiverse places on earth, and are visited by millions annually. Home to some of our most treasured species of animals and plants, as well as some of the most striking geological features--like mountains, rock arches, caves, volcanoes, and geysers--the parks are also scientific playgrounds, where visitors can learn about botany, geology, and wildlife first hand.

Scenic Science of the National Parks curates and breaks down the most compelling natural science highlights of each park, from volcanic activity, glaciers, and coral reefs to ancient redwood groves, herds of bison, giant bats, and beyond. Highlighting information on the history and notable features of each park, as well as cool insider travel tips vetted by National Park Service park rangers, this book makes a fun addition to any park lover's book collection.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Travel, Geology, Natural History, Nature

352 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2020

Reviews

[Daxton Derrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

has something for every variety of national park geek

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a National Park Geek and love reading books centered around the parks. Most NP books are tour guides through the parks with advice on where to stay, when to go etc etc - this is not that book. This book gives you a little overview on the park, but really focuses on the interesting and oddball science specific to that park. The writing is very readable (the authors have a great sense of humor) and the illustrations are beautiful. I will definitely have this book in the car when we head to Shenandoah in April.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read about one National Park each morning and I thought it was a fun, enriching read. While I think I like a little more history or lively stories about the parks- it was fun to get more of the science behind the rocks, plants, animals that make up our National Parks.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful notes on what to see where; strikingly little supporting information in other areas.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, informative text, giving a somewhat deeper look into the our national parks. I was a little disappointed that there are no photos, though. The only illustrations are drawings.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so informative and lays out info in a fun way to read. Hiking and learning about our earth is one of my favorite things, and this book is a gem.