Richly Illustrated with Over 80 Color Photographs
2012
NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2013
Green Book Festival Award
Honorable
Mention
- Animals
Follow
the seasonal journey of a beaver family residing in the high Colorado
Rocky Mountains. Learn about the biology, habitat, and behavior of this
hard-working, family-oriented, ecosystem engineer.
Along
our trek, we discover how other animals, as well, have adapted to the
seasons in this montane environment. From the full pantries of summer to
the scarcity of food in winter, we become aware of their adaptive
behaviors.
Our
journey of discovery continues as we look through Nature’s window into
the lives of fauna and flora residing in wetland, riparian, and
wet-prairie ecosystems of the lower-altitude southern Willamette Valley in
Oregon. But we won’t ignore the beaver; after all, they are the Oregon
state mammal.
I speak to a nearby beaver
in a soft, gentle tone of voice.
You see, I came to study you . . .
"Journey
into the Natural World through fact-based imagination as the author talks
and travels with Mother Nature’s beaver.
"Then venture through Willow Creek
Preserve and on Fern Ridge Lake to view Oregon’s birds, fish, mammals,
butterflies, and native plants. Whether it is rain-drenched locales or
drought-stricken areas, the beaver has become Nature’s engineer that has
helped solve many ecosystem problems.
"Very creative and
shows there is an artistic, sensitive side to a research scientist. I learned a lot about the beaver!"
- Carolyn Gravelle, Ph.D.,
Publisher and Editor
"Berg informs us about the interconnectivity of
flora and fauna in various regions by focusing on the life of a beaver via
an imagined conversation with one. She draws the reader into that
conversation and cleverly reveals much about this vital mammal. Her
approach is to paint a picture that appeals to our innermost child. It is
an easy read that would entertain anyone's curiosity about what makes
these dam-builders so vital to not only other animals, but to plants and
humans as well. Her oneness with Mother Nature is appealing and invites
all to listen and observe more closely. Berg invites you to try and
appreciate everything that Mother Nature has to offer by quietly seeking
it out for yourself, one magical discovery at a time."
- Linda Murdock, The US Review
" I have the feeling I
am right there with you, Judith, and observe and experience Nature with your
eyes. I get excited, happy, afraid, cold, and tired with you. I am right there,
like I lived your adventures. You have also a fantastic imagination. The book is
beautifully designed with your painting on the cover."
- Brigitte
Beumer, Scientist and Friend
" What a beautiful and
insightful read. I greatly enjoyed the [journeys]."
-
Susana Hamilton, Willamette Resources and Education Network
"This award-winning author
follows the seasonal journey of a beaver family residing in the high Colorado
Rocky Mountains. Intriguing discussions of the biology, habitat, and behavior of
this hard-working, family-oriented, ecosystem engineer. Years of wetland
observations are distilled into this masterpiece of creative non-fiction. "
-
Jennifer Rigby, Director, The Acorn Group/Acorn Naturalists
"Judy, congratulations on your
book. I'm reading and thoroughly enjoying it! The way you combine your
imagination with the facts - I'm learning so much that I never knew. Judy - how
blessed we both are to share our love of nature."
-
Barbara King, Naturalist-Interpreter, Rocky Mountain National Park
"Here is a love and
understanding of Nature that must be felt by all of us so that Earth may regain
her balance. The design, beauty, and connectedness in the Natural world come
alive on this journey, to be carried with us in our actions and in our hearts as
we remember what the Beaver has shared. The Beaver's world and our world are the
same. We must try to keep the connection alive."
-
Anne Robertson, Artist
"Conversation with a Beaver has
so much about nature that the average person has no knowledge of. The beavers
and otters do so much natural work that is beneficial to Nature. We take too
much for granted. Your book explains and tells us how fortunate we are to have
these dear creatures."
-
Lydia Brown, Age 97, Lifelong friend