Feather Trails

The story of one woman’s remarkable work with a trio of charismatic, endangered bird species—and her discoveries about the devastating threats that imperil them. In Feather Trails, wildlife biologist and birder Sophie A. H. Osborn reveals how the harmful environmental choices we’ve made—including pesticide use, the introduction of invasive species, lead poisoning, and habitat destruction—have decimated Peregrine Falcons, Hawaiian Crows, and California Condors. In the Rocky Mountains, the cloud forests of Hawai’i, and the Grand Canyon, Sophie and her colleagues work day-to-day to try to reintroduce these birds to the wild, even when it seems that the odds are steeply stacked against their survival. With humor and suspense, Feather Trails introduces us to the fascinating behaviors and unique personalities of Sophie’s avian charges and shows that what endangers them ultimately threatens all life on our planet. More than a deeply researched environmental investigation, Feather Trails is also a personal journey and human story, in which Sophie overcomes her own obstacles—among them heat exhaustion, poachers, rattlesnakes, and chauvinism. Ultimately, Feather Trails is an inspiring, poignant narrative about endangered birds and how our choices can help to ensure a future not only for the rarest species, but for us too. "An intimate look at the wonder and effort needed for working with endangered species in the wild. [Osborn's] matter-of-fact writing style and wry humor make the reader part of the action."—Booklist (starred review)

Near Sacramento, numerous trails access the Central Valley's wildlife-filled wetlands and traverse riverside forests and grasslands. In the Coast Range and Sierra foothills, trails lead to scenic waterfalls, wildflower-studded meadows, and high mountain lakes. Longtime Sacramento resident and intrepid hiker Steve Evans has selected the 43 "must-do" hikes, the majority of which are within two hours of the city. Whether you're looking for a scenic stroll, a full-day adventure, or even a spectacular alpine peak-bagging trip, you'll find it here. Trails range from 1 to 10 miles and sea level to 9000 feet, and each trip includes elevation profiles, detailed maps, driving directions, and "don't get lost" trail milestones.

This book is a follow-up to 48 Dog-Friendly Trails in Californias Foothills and the Sierra Nevada, published by AuthorHouse in 2008. In keeping with the first books structure, there are four trailheads described for each month of the year to encourage year-round outdoor excursions. In some cases, there are multiple trail choices from a single trailhead so everyone can find an outing suitable to their groups individual needs. Trails are all dog friendly, with some providing off-leash opportunities. Many of the trails are also suitable for joggers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. A table at the back of the book identifies the usage for each trail. You will also find information as to which trails feature great views, swimming, family access, fishing, and other activities. Listening to readers feedback from the first book, with the new book the focus is in finding more obscure trails so even the most experienced enthusiast will find new places to explore. There are also maps for trails with difficult descriptions. Trails are still rated from 1 (easiest) to 5 (most difficult), but with this book you will find more trails with a 4 and 5 rating. Still there are easy options for each month, but overall there are more challenging opportunities.

Trails change! Since writing my two guidebooks, 48 Dog-Friendly Trails and Dog-Friendly Trails for All Seasons, I found some wonderful new destinations and new trails to get to some old favorites. With our new puppy, Maggie, we realized that some trails were truly our favorites, and those were the ones we chose to explore with her. Thus, 57 Dog-Friendly Trails: In Californias Foothills and the Sierra Nevada evolved covering fifty-seven trailheads, some with multiple hiking options. All of the trails remain dog friendly, and all have great destinations. Californias foothills and the Sierra Nevada are lush with a variety of trails taking you to different venueswildflowers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, meadows, snow, and flowing rivers. This is definitely an area ripe for exploring all dog-friendly trails directions to fifty-seven trailheads over four trails for each month of the year for optimal seasonal enjoyment trails for mountain bikers and equestrians family-friendly trail options before and after the hike suggestions

In an effort to set the Southbound Fastest Known Time record on the Pacific Crest Trail, Jessica Pekari sets off on an adventure to hike from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. Pekari is an ultrarunner and used to pushing her body to its limits, but the challenges she faces on the trail test both her physical and mental endurance.