edited by Mary Byrd Davis
contributions by Bruce Means, James Runkle, Margaret Davis, Lee Frelich, Lucy Tyrell, Tim Parshall, Peter Reich, Kurt Rusterholtz, Robert Zahner, David Cameron Duffy, Steve Comers, Bill McKibben, Charles Schaadt, Anthony Cook, J. Merrill Lynch, Kathy Seaton, Ricky White, Albert Meier and James Farrari
foreword by John Davis
Island Press, 1996
Cloth: 978-1-55963-408-3 | Paper: 978-1-55963-409-0 | eISBN: 978-1-61091-244-0 (all)
Library of Congress Classification SD387.O43E27 1996
Dewey Decimal Classification 333.784

ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | TOC | REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Eastern Old-Growth Forests is an essential guide for understanding and protecting some of the most rare and ecologically valuable landscapes in the eastern United States. For conservation professionals, land stewards, policymakers, and curious naturalists, this book offers a rich reward: a deeper grasp of the forest ecosystems that anchor biodiversity, store carbon, and connect us to centuries of ecological and cultural history.

Through authoritative essays by leading ecologists, historians, and land managers, the book explores what defines old-growth in the East—its structure, species, and ecological functions—and why it matters now more than ever. You’ll gain the tools to recognize old-growth characteristics in the field, understand the threats facing these ancient forests, and make informed decisions about preservation and restoration strategies.

Beyond ecology, the book weaves in the cultural significance of these forests, showing how they have shaped human experience and imagination over time. This multidimensional perspective helps readers appreciate old-growth not just as a biological asset, but as a living archive of the past and a pillar of future resilience.

By the end, readers will walk away with clarity, motivation, and practical knowledge to advocate for and help protect old-growth forests across the region. Eastern Old-Growth Forests is both a call to action and a foundational reference for preserving what little remains—and what still might be restored.

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