Conifers of the Pacific Slope is a contemporary field guide built to assist plant lovers in identifying one of the most intriguing and ancient groups of plants in the world. Conifers survive within the West s most spectacular environments from the coastal temperate rainforests to the highest mountain summits. Educator, plant explorer, and author Michael Kauffmann introduces readers to the magic of the Pacific Slope's conifers through: Color plates for identifying 65 species - Accurate and updated collection of range maps for all conifer along the Pacific Slope - Destinations for finding conifers in the field - Tantalizing photos from across the West - All conifer species found in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, southern British Columbia and northern Baja California "A well-illustrated, information-rich, comprehensive, and yet compact and user-friendly identification guide." ----Stephen F. Arno author of Discovering Sierra Trees, Northwest Trees, and Timberline: Arctic and Alpine Forest Frontiers "Western North America includes the tallest, largest, and oldest trees in the world. These trees inspire visitors from around the world with their beauty and majesty, but not until now has a single, concise volume appeared that identifies these trees and describes their distribution. Conifers of the Pacific Slope is a valuable companion to anyone exploring the forests and woodlands of this vast region." ---- Christopher Earle, author of The Gymnosperm Database Growing up in the eastern deciduous forests of Virginia Michael would stare out the window in the winter, hooting for barred owls and wonder...why are some of those trees still green? He nurtured his evergreen conifer fascination in the Appalachian Mountains during college and, upon graduation, landed a job teaching outdoor education in California. Sans family, alone in the West, he began to hang out with giant sequoias and foxtail pines on weekends. The high country conifers of southern California entertained him for many years until the temperate rainforest eventually called him north to Humboldt County. He now live in Humboldt County, California, with his beautiful wife, Allison, his son, Sylas, and dog, Skylar. Besides writing, he works as a devoted teacher both at the elementary and college level.