Ponderosa: Big Pine of the Southwest

by Sylvester Allred

Overview

For hundreds of years, the massive ponderosa pine of the U.S. Southwest has left multitudes in awe. After spending nearly three decades researching among these trees, Sylvester Allred shares his wealth of experience in the southwestern ponderosa pine forests with the world in Ponderosa.
 
Ponderosa is the first of its kind to provide an introduction to the natural and human histories of the ponderosa pine forests of the Southwest that is accessible to all who wish to enjoy the forests. The book offers knowledge on elemental aspects of the forests, such as the structure of the trees, as well as theoretical perspectives on issues such as climate change. Included are discussions of biogeography, ecology, and human and natural history, illustrated by over fifty color photographs throughout.
 
Allred presents his observations as if he is recalling his thoughts over the course of a walk in a ponderosa pine forest. His imagery-saturated prose provides an informal and enjoyable approach to discovering the history and environment of the ponderosa pine. Using a concise, straightforward writing style, Allred invites readers to explore the forests with him.
 
Ponderosa includes:
 

• More than 50 color photos
   
• Learn how to estimate the age of a tree
   
• See the reptiles, birds, and mammals that make their home in ponderosa pine forests
   
• Much more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780816531431
Publisher:	University of Arizona Press
Publication date:	02/19/2015
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Sylvester Allred is a principal lecturer emeritus at Northern Arizona University. He is author of The Natural History of Tassel-Eared Squirrels, as well as several children’s books. He has served as an ecological consultant for the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Department of Energy, and the Discovery Channel. He currently consults with McGraw-Hill and Oxford University Press on biology, geology, environmental science, and oceanography textbooks.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations ix

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xv

Author's Note xvii

Introduction 3

Where Are the Ponderosa Pine Forests? 7

Pinus ponderosa, Cone-Bearers, and Naked Seeds 9

Yellowbellies, Blackjacks, and Spiral Growth 11

One House, Winged Seeds, and Golden Pollen 18

Tiny Seedlings 22

Energy Factories 24

The Rest of the Tree-Alive or Dead? 26

Sculptures of the Forest 29

Pine Scents, Sapsuckers, and Naval Stores 33

Roots, Underground Fungi, False Truffles, and Mushrooms 35

Residents of the Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forest 38

Who Owns the Forests? 41

Tree Scars 43

Uses of Ponderosas from Past to Present 44

Plant Neighbors 46

Mistletoe and Witches' Brooms 47

A Bit of Geology 49

Bark Beetles 50

Other Insects and Fungi 51

Fire and Flood 53

Climate Change-It's Real 57

The Beginning (Not "The End") 58

Taxonomy and Scientific Name of the Ponderosa Pine 61

Checklist of Some of the Mammals of the Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests 62

Checklist of Some of the Birds of the Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests 63

Brief History of the Establishment and Responsibilities of the U.S. Forest Service 64

Suggested Readings 67

Literature Consulted 69

Index 93

Editorial Reviews

It’s as though one strolls through the woods and notices items that attract attention. Or to mix metaphors, it’s like a cabinet of curiosities in which one artifact or another draws the eye, more or less at random.”—Stephen J. Pyne, author of How the Grand Canyon Became Grand: A Short History


“It’s as though one strolls through the woods and notices items that attract attention. Or to mix metaphors, it’s like a cabinet of curiosities in which one artifact or another draws the eye, more or less at random.”—Stephen J. Pyne, author of How the Grand Canyon Became Grand: A Short History


“It’s as though one strolls through the woods and notices items that attract attention. Or to mix metaphors, it’s like a cabinet of curiosities in which one artifact or another draws the eye, more or less at random.”—Stephen J. Pyne, author of How the Grand Canyon Became Grand: A Short History


“The book provides a highly readable and informative overview of the natural and human histories and ecology of ponderosa pine forests of the Southwest.”—Thomas Kolb, co-author of “Drought Predisposes Piñon-Juniper Woodlands to Insect Attacks and Mortality”


“The book provides a highly readable and informative overview of the natural and human histories and ecology of ponderosa pine forests of the Southwest.”—Thomas Kolb, co-author of “Drought Predisposes Piñon-Juniper Woodlands to Insect Attacks and Mortality”


“The book provides a highly readable and informative overview of the natural and human histories and ecology of ponderosa pine forests of the Southwest.”—Thomas Kolb, co-author of “Drought Predisposes Piñon-Juniper Woodlands to Insect Attacks and Mortality”


“While there are numerous books and journal articles about the unique character and features of southwestern ponderosa pine forests—presented in both technical and lay terminology—I know of no other reference that undertakes the same specific scope and local perspective as presented by the author.”—Peter F. Ffolliott, author of Natural Resources Management Practices: A Primer


“While there are numerous books and journal articles about the unique character and features of southwestern ponderosa pine forests—presented in both technical and lay terminology—I know of no other reference that undertakes the same specific scope and local perspective as presented by the author.”—Peter F. Ffolliott, author of Natural Resources Management Practices: A Primer


“While there are numerous books and journal articles about the unique character and features of southwestern ponderosa pine forests—presented in both technical and lay terminology—I know of no other reference that undertakes the same specific scope and local perspective as presented by the author.”—Peter F. Ffolliott, author of Natural Resources Management Practices: A Primer


"Small enough to stick in your back pocket or day pack when you’re out in national parks such as Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of this Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and even up into Rocky Mountain National Park, this softcover book, Ponderosa: Big Pine of the Southwest, is a great resource to take with you."—National Parks Traveler


"Small enough to stick in your back pocket or day pack when you’re out in national parks such as Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of this Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and even up into Rocky Mountain National Park, this softcover book, Ponderosa: Big Pine of the Southwest, is a great resource to take with you."—National Parks Traveler


"Small enough to stick in your back pocket or day pack when you’re out in national parks such as Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of this Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and even up into Rocky Mountain National Park, this softcover book, Ponderosa: Big Pine of the Southwest, is a great resource to take with you."—National Parks Traveler

From the Publisher