Rocky Mountains (Smithsonian Natural History)

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Summary: comments from the author
Review: I wrote this book because I love the Rockies, and I wanted more people to know about their geologic history, climate, vegetation, and wildlife. The Rockies preserve some of the last, best patches of undisturbed wilderness in North America. They provide an oasis of cool, moist climate, flanked by prairies on the east, and by deserts on the west. As such, they provide refuge for thousands of species of plants and animals that are adapted to cool climates. The wildlife of the Rockies has to be tough to survive the long, cold winters, but at the same time the Rocky Mountain ecosystems can be incredibly fragile. My aim is to inform you about the wonders of the Rockies, in hopes that you will catch some of my enthusiasm. So whether you are an avid hiker/camper/outdoor enthusiast, or an 'armchair traveller,' I hope you'll enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.