We invite you to join us in anticipating the events and cycles of nature... (from the Introduction)

{HISTORY} 

You might question how much you could learn from a nature almanac printed 49 years ago. After all, life in the 1970s was quite a bit different than it is today, and although global warming was a concern then, it was not nearly as pressing an issue as it is today. 

But this book is not like the famous yearly almanac that everyone knows. It is definitely not the Old Farmers Almanac of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Naturalist's Almanac doesn't tell you the best time of year to plant corn. Or which phase the moon is in in which month. There are no advertisements for old-timey salves, tinctures, or rubs. No homey stories about funny farmers or their wise wives.

Instead, this almanac is really all about noticing nature. An observation guide of sorts. It defies sharing information for just one particular year but instead encourages readers to notice patterns for many years to come. This book may have been printed in 1976 but it doesn't just concern 1976. 

The beauty of The Naturalist's Almanac is that it is a true guidebook, pointing out what to look for in the natural rhythms and routines of the wild world around us. Season by season, it tracks the migration of birds, the blooming of wildflowers, and the sight and sounds of insects.  Just like an astrology book alerts you to which stars are located where in the night sky each quarter, this book alerts you to the subtle changes of plants, animals, and weather conditions occurring month by month throughout the year.  

In April, for example, in the Northwest, it points out that during the first two weeks of the month, herons start feeding at dark.  In July in the last weeks of the month in the Southeast, purple martins stop nesting. In September in the Northeast, in the middle of the month, asters start blooming in the woods and the fields and poison ivy leaves begin turning yellow.

Week, by week, month by month, season by season covering three regions in the U.S.,(Northeast, Southeast, Northwest)  natural observations like this are recorded so that you can be on the lookout for each new occurrence unfolding in your neck of the woods too. Opposite these observation charts are blank field journals to record such sightings - making a helpful spot for comparison, contemplative thought, and your own unique findings. 

Accompanying the pages surrounding the monthly charts is a host of fascinating info including...

• excerpts from historical garden texts dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries
• a Nature's Notebook column highlighting one significant natural occurrence each month
•  seasonal poetry
• black and white drawings ready for coloring
• interesting flora and fauna fun facts 
• notes on holiday celebrations 
• recipes
• gardening insights 
• includes a collection of resources for environmentally friendly housing solutions, environmental protections,  and other agricultural information

Essentially, this is a book about being a mindful steward of the land you inhabit. About seeing and understanding the natural flow of the world around you. About appreciating moment by moment the subtle nuances of the changing landscape day by day, week by week year, by year.  And last but not least, it's about developing an understanding relationship with nature for the good of all who inhabit the land from the smallest field mouse to the largest human.

Written by American naturalist, teacher, shop owner and program director John F. Gardner, The Naturalist's Almanac was first published in 1972 and was revised and improved each year up to the mid-1970s.  John educated both kids and adults with a plethora of nature-related books as well as hosted programs at various educational institutions in the New England area. 

A wonderful book for anyone who wants to spend time in nature learning about and observing the wild occurrences happening around them at every moment. It's also a great teaching for families to share together, and a marvelous companion for the picnic basket where you can entertain your pals with all sorts of interesting information in the beautiful surroundings you have selected for your epicurean adventure. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Published in 1976, 5th Edtion
• 192 pages
• Illustrated throughout
• Contains blank field note observation pages for every month and a blank notes section at the back of the book 
• Organized month by month
  
• Hardcover

{CONDITION}

In wonderful vintage condition. This book is very clean and bright throughout. There are no spots, stains or markings. The spine is tight and all pages are intact. 

{SIZE}

Measures 8.25" inches (length) x 4.75" inches (width) x .75" inches (thickness) and weighs 12 oz.