America's Mountains: Guide to Plants and Animals (America's Ecosystems)

Discover the remarkable biodiversity of North America's mountain ecosystems with this comprehensive, beautifully illustrated field guide. America's Mountains takes readers on an exploration of the continent's most prominent mountain ranges―from the ancient Appalachian Mountains to the towering Rocky Mountains, the rugged Cascades, and the remote Alaskan Range―revealing how each unique environment sustains different communities of plants and animals adapted to high-altitude conditions.

Through stunning watercolor-and-ink illustrations and accessible text, natural science illustrator and writer Marianne Wallace brings mountain life into vivid detail. Each mountain region is introduced with location maps and two-page spreads showcasing the remarkable variety of wildlife found there, from mountain goats and black bears to wildflowers, alpine birds, and towering evergreens. The book highlights what you might catch your eye along a trail or mountain road, demonstrating the incredible diversity within North American mountain ecosystems.

The second section provides detailed profiles of more than 100 common mountain species including birds, mammals, plants, trees, and other flora and fauna, with species names clearly labeled for easy identification. Practical features include an animal tracks guide, glossary, annotated species list with both common and scientific names, additional resources, and a thorough index. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, students, families, homeschoolers, and anyone fascinated by mountain ecology, this guide makes complex alpine ecosystems accessible and engaging for readers ages 8 and up, helping with the adventure of discovery in our own backyard.

Marianne Wallace is a nature writer and illustrator who has also worked as an elementary school science teacher, a writer for the US Forest Service, a veterinarian's assistant, and a tour guide at a botanic garden. In her backyard at the base of mountains near Los Angeles, she has witnessed a bear asleep in the oak tree, deer eating fallen apples, a hawk using the birdbath, and squirrels fighting over who gets the most acorns. No wonder she writes about nature. She has a pet tarantula named Tilly.