Prairies and Savannas in Michigan: Rediscovering Our Natural Heritage - Softcover

Ryan P. O'Connor (author), Michael A. Kost (author) & Joshua G. Cohen (author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0870138456 ISBN 13: 9780870138454

Publisher: Michigan State University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Prairies and savannas are a rare and unique part of Michigan's natural heritage. Once occupying a significant portion of Lower Michigan's landscape, these dynamic and varied communities have nearly vanished, along with numerous species that rely on the habitats they provide. Now less than 1 percent of the original prairie and savanna acreage remains in Michigan, and the little that remains is threatened by habitat destruction, invasive species, and rapidly closing canopies. Prairies and Savannas in Michigan gives a complete understanding of these dynamic systems, the plants and animals they support, the ecological processes that sustain them, and current efforts to restore these valuable pieces of Michigan's natural heritage. Intended for general readers, Prairies and Savannas in Michigan clearly describes the variety of natural habitats and itemizes noteworthy species found in each. The book fills a unique niche for practicing and armchair ecologists alike, and it provides a much needed educational overview for citizens living in a state with such unique and diverse—though rapidly disappearing—habitats. This is the only work in print that focuses on prairie and savanna communities.

About this title

About the Authors

Ryan P. O'Connor is a Conservation Associate in Botany at the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, a part of the Michigan State University Extension.

Michael A. Kost was the Lead Ecologist for Michigan Natural Features Inventory from 2004 to 2012 and is the Native Plants Specialist with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum of the University of Michigan.

Joshua G. Cohen is the Lead Ecologist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan's natural heritage program.

Edition details

• Publisher: Michigan State University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0870138456
• ISBN 13: 9780870138454
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 139