Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals Among California’s Oaks

“Kate Marianchild's beautiful and celebratory work guides us through an exploration of trees, trunks, and the creatures that make them home. Open this book and join this biologically diverse community. You'll be glad you did.” Dan Gluesenkamp, executive director, California Native Plant Society

“An Island Called California, by Elna Bakker, was a favorite of my teacher/mentor Al Molina; he spoke of it highly and in the same way that I endorse your book. Bakker's prose and style are very similar to yours. I'm so pleased that you've given me the opportunity to 'pass the torch' with such a well-written book. Al's teachings mean a lot to me and I'm saddened he didn't get a chance to read your book—I know he would have toted his well worn copy by his side at all times.” Joe Mueller, Professor of Biology, College of Marin

“[Secrets of the Oak Woodlands] is a beautiful masterpiece of fine writing alongside skillful, deep research. I love the way you observe the natural world and bring the reader into generous, loving relationship with plants and animals that might otherwise be overlooked. This book is a classic of California natural history writing.” David Lukas, author of Bay Area Birds

“A unique and captivating book.” Debbie Diersch, Albatross

“A wonderful enrichment for hikers and nature lovers, Secrets of the Oak Woodlands is highly recommended.” The Midwest Book Review

''A wide range of nature enthusiasts will enjoy Kate Marianchild's informative and well-balanced natural history book....Marianchild's articulate yet easy to understand writing style makes the book suitable for armchair readers to investigative scholars. The science is clear, research up-to-date, and depth satisfying...At the same time she inserts interesting relevant information and builds the readers' appreciation for intricately rich oak woodlands.'' Fremontia

''Marianchild's enthusiasm is infectious because she grounds it so well in precise observation, skilled prose, and careful research. Each essay is packed with fascinating and marvelously concise assemblages of facts gleaned from scientific studies. The result is both educational and entertaining. Like the best entertainment, it leaves the reader wishing for more.'' Blue Heron

''Kate Marianchild's beautiful and celebratory work guides us through an exploration of trees, trunks, and the creatures that make them home. Open this book and join this biologically diverse community. You'll be glad you did.'' Dan Gluesenkamp, executive director, California Native Plant Society

''I love this book. It reads like a walk in the woods with the best naturalists. The clear layout helps me scan for the information that I am looking for, or browse and learn something new. The natural history stories in this book are detailed and rich, sharing discoveries from the latest research and field observations. You cannot help falling more deeply in love with oak woodlands and feeling inspired to care for them.'' John Muir Laws, author-illustrator of The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada

''In this sublime ode to California's most ubiquitous plant community, Kate Marianchild fills the oak woodlands with life, enabling us to peer under fallen leaves, gaze inside layers of bark, and look deeply at animals that scurry on the branches, burrow under the roots, and rest in the shade of trees and shrubs. Secrets of the Oak Woodlands introduces you to the magical community of the oak and its neighbors like the coyote, western fence lizard, and California quail and once you've read this book, you'll forever see the oak woodland as the catalyst for a marvelous array of life." Beth Pratt, California director, National Wildlife Federation