MARUSKIN: New, classic Kentucky natural history books at the local library

Published 10:24 am Monday, January 27, 2020

The library received two new books about Kentucky flora and fauna, and they reminded me of others that provide excellent entertainment for winter reading and practical advice while you dream of spring.

One is “Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin” by Dan and Judy Dourson (call No. K582.13 Dour).

Dan Dourson has studied the Gorge for 40 years. His specialties are under-appreciated plants, slimes, molds, lichens, ferns and wildflowers.

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Along with identification guides, the book contains an essay on “The Prehistoric History of the Gorge” written by legendary Powell County naturalist and archaic technologist Johnny Faulkner; and an essay on the cultural history of the Gorge written by Eastern Kentucky artist Alan Cornette.

The photography is precise and aesthetically engaging. If you’re planning to spend time at the Gorge this year or you’re interested in native plants, check out Dan’s book.

“The Kentucky Wildlife Encyclopedia” by Scott Shupe (call No. K590.3) is an illustrated guide to the state’s birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Each entry gives facts about the animal’s size, abundance, variations in coloration, breeding habits and natural history.

It’s not as personal and comprehensive as the Doursons’ book, the photography is stock, but if you want to identify the critter that’s been patrolling your fence row, it’s handy.

Clark County photographer Wes Moody turned me on to two spectacular Red River Gorge photography books by Kentucky photographer John Snell: “Red River Gorge, The Elegant Landscape” (call No. K917.69213 Snel) and “Red River Gorge, My Second Home” (call No. K976.9213 Snel).

Each of Snell’s photographs are stunning, whether it happens to be of the light-limned branches of one old maple tree or a mist-shrouded gorge and ridge panorama.

If you’re spring garden planning, be sure to take a look at “Gardening for the Birds” by Thomas G. Barnes (call No. 636.967 Barn).

Despite the generic title, this book, printed by University of Kentucky, provides information specifically oriented for growing plants, trees and shrubs for bird-friendly habitats in the Bluegrass.

Want to entice bluebirds to your property? Check out “Bluebirds and Their Survival” by Wayne H. Davis (call No. 639.9 Davi).

Ever notice those birdhouses lining the fencerows along Route 64 or the Mountain Parkway? Davis initiated the volunteer project that created and installed those bluebird boxes.

“Bluebirds and Their Survival” is a classic piece of natural history. It’s a direct predecessor to Dourson’s “Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge.”

Use winter indoor reading days to sharpen up your senses and knowledge of Kentucky’s plants and animals. The six books I’ve mentioned are great beginnings.

Dig through the library stacks for more great Kentucky natural history books.

Always feel free to ask a librarian to be your guide.

Other events this week?

— At 11 a.m. Monday, All Over the Page Book Group discusses “Time After Time” by Lisa Grunwald. Books are available at the circulation desk.

— At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Meeting of Minds discusses ideas for the new space where the Spahr building used to be. I vote drilling to Pellucidar.

— At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show presents a 2019 film about legendary performer Judy Garland in London in the winter of 1968 where she performs a series of sold-out concerts.

— At 10 a.m. Friday, Write Local, where flash fiction is not depraved.

And finally, Happy Chinese New Year.

“May the New Year bring to you warmth of love and all the crazy colors and fun in your life.”  Gong Xi Fa Cai!

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.