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Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard

Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

As a recent offering in the "Scientists in the field" series this book covers a lot of territory and examines several species. Carson and Uhlman start their journey at Yellowstone National park where they reveal the extent of scientific data continually being collected by staff geologists. Wildlife biologists monitor the grizzly bear population in the great Yellowstone ecosystem. Within Saguaro National Park gila monsters are studied by herpetologist and citizen scientist. Animals and cacti are tracked and counted by park biologist as well as students while taking part in BioBlitz. An evolutionary ecologist searches for salamanders in Great Smoky Mountain National Park as another scientist prepares for the rarely seen synchronous firefly display in the park.

The photographs are rich in detail and show off the natural beauty of plants, animals and the parks. The glossary is excellent and each park has a nice informational page. This series entry would have benefited from a more complete introduction of the scientists; it is difficult to discern between park staff, other agency scientists, and university professors. The title seems to focus on half of the scientific study mentioned in the book.

Overall Book Score: good