Manchac Swamp

For Julia Sims, photography originally served as an excuse to spend time in the Manchac Swamp. She had turned to the swamp for solace after a family tragedy and visited the swamp frequently. As her concern for the vanishing wetlands grew, she was inspired to document the swamp and share her love of nature with the world. Veiled behind dense drapes of Spanish moss and walls of wondrous cypress trees, Manchac Swamp is a wilderness jewel accessible only by boat. Drawn to the swamp's mystery and eventually captivated by its peace, Sims spent 15 years patiently penetrating its secrets. The result, trapped on film, is the many moods, flora, and fauna of this hidden world. Now, in this stunning album of her photographs, a glimpse of that quintessential Louisiana place in its seasonal variations is offered to all. In an evocative introduction to the book, John Kemp draws upon his interviews with several residents. They are a rare group who are known as guardians of the swamp and consider their existence a study in life as they learn to coexist with the majesty that surrounds them. An enigmatic group, they make their living off of the land. As deteriorating environmental conditions reduce or eliminate wildlife, there is, in turn, a diminished harvest for them as trappers, hunters, and fishermen-and a diminished heritage for all of us.

Provides information on planning a trip to the city, offers advice for business travelers, and recommends hotels, restaurants, amusements, shops, and sightseeing attractions.

Discover the amazing flora and fauna of the Mississippi River—and the best ways to explore it, state by state! Did you know that one-quarter of all North American fish species are native to the Mississippi? Or that it shelters 300 species of birds during seasonal migrations? The Mississippi River runs through the heart of the nation, shaping its history and identity. But few of us understand its essences. It’s a life-giving force that sustains thriving ecosystems across wetlands, prairies, and bluffs. In The Wild Mississippi, Dean Klinkenberg not only shares the wonders of the river, but he also shows you where to experience them firsthand. Pick up this must-read guide and get ready to experience the river wild! You’ll discover: Hiking, biking, and paddling spots More than 160 parks, forests, and wildlife refuges Natural history museums and aquariums Excursions from Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, and more

Louisiana is one of the most beautiful parts of North America. It offers much more than Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. With 25 maps and 60 illustrations, this is the first book to introduce the full range of wild places in Louisiana. Certainly the states magnificent swamps are described, but Louisiana showcases a great diversity of natural habitats prairies, longleaf pine savannas, oak forests, Appalachian forest, river valleys, cliffs, sand dunes, and cheniers. Each has its distinctive plant and animal species. Frogs living in trees, fish digging burrows, pelicans nesting on offshore islands and plants eating insects, as well as wild orchids, dwarf palmettos, armadillos, and Some of the authors favorite places to visit are highlighted and he describes the challenge of conserving wild places for the enjoyment of future generations. The book is titled for the water that carries the earth that builds Louisiana, and the fires that create the prairies, pine forests, and savannas. If you own only one book about Louisiana nature, this is the one to have a perfect gift for student, tourist, hunter, or neighbor. Advance Praise This is an impressive guide to the magical and bountiful world of Louisiana nature, and an excellent primer in why we should save itnot only for the sake of pelicans and woodpeckers and tupelos, but for the sake of ourselves. Michael Grunwald, author of The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida and the Politics of Paradise Dr. Paul Keddy captures what truly is the best about Louisianaits many and varied natural habitats. Dr. Keddy is more than a gifted scientist. He takes the science out of science. He describes complex processes in terms that are easy to understand, enlightening, and enjoyable. From the rolling pine forest to cypress swamps to barrier islands; from birds to bugs to bears; from frogs to fi sh, Dr. Keddy covers all that makes Louisiana one of the most unique places on the good planet Earth. Carlton Dufrechou, Executive Director, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation

"A million facts that range from merely interesting to absolutely vital." -- Louisiana Life " Having [Louisiana Almanac] . . . is like having all the answers to what is happening in the State of Louisiana." -- The Louisiana Weekly "An invaluable tool to people looking to move into the area." -- The Slidell Sentry-News Known for its politics, its natural resources, and its colorful history, the Pelican State is one of the most interesting in America. For more than fifty years, Louisiana Almanac has been the authoritative guide to a million facts about Louisiana, and this painstakingly updated seventeenth edition consists of 720 useful pages of information for ready reference. The wealth of maps, charts, tables, and graphs makes the data and statistics easily accessible as well. No Louisiana business, classroom, or library should be without a current copy of the Louisiana Almanac.

(FAQ Pop Culture). Take a fast-paced survey of the ghosties, ghouls, and associated denizens of the country's haunted history with Haunted America FAQ . Tracing local ghost stories back to Native American legends and then forward through horror tales both ancient and modern, the book revisits some of the best known haunted locales, as well as some of the most obscure creepy places, in America. Delving deep into the cultural history of American hauntings, Haunted America FAQ includes chapters on ghostly books, movies, and television. Also included is an A-Z of reality-TV ghost hunts and a state-by-state gazetteer of haunted spots.