California Trees builds on Jepson’s 1909 classic Trees of California, expanding from 92 to 95 species using modern tools, photography, and community science. With clear criteria for what defines a tree, this new guide honors Jepson’s legacy while inviting readers to connect deeply with California’s diverse and evolving forest landscapes.
The Evolution of Trees of California: From Jepson to Today
Mapping the Hidden Forest
Camille “Cami” Pawlak transforms our understanding of California’s tree diversity through innovative heat maps and range mapping, highlighting 95 native species. Her work reveals the richness of endemic trees in places like Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and supports urban planning for climate resilience, ensuring ecological alignment in tree selection.
Discover California’s Native Trees: A Guide to the Arboreal Wonders of the Golden State
Backcountry Press proudly announces California Trees by Matt Ritter and Michael Kauffmann, a vivid guide to all 95 native tree species of California. Blending detailed profiles, community science maps, and rich photography, the book invites readers to explore the ecology, beauty, and cultural significance of California’s forests, woodlands, and deserts.
Second Edition of Hiking Humboldt Volume 2 by Rees Hughes Now Available!
Backcountry Press announces the second edition of Hiking Humboldt Volume 2, an essential guide for exploring over 100 trails in Humboldt County, CA. It features expanded coverage, detailed maps, historical insights, and safety tips. Author Rees Hughes shares his passion for the region, inviting hikers to connect with its natural beauty.
Truffle Season in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is home to over 350 truffle species, thriving in symbiotic relationships with tree species like Douglas-firs. The region’s moist climate fosters diverse truffle development with varying fruiting seasons. Notable species include the Oregon Spring White Truffle and Oregon Black Truffle. “Mushrooms of Cascadia” serves as an essential guide for foragers.
The Cost of Sustainable Book Production
Backcountry Press explains the cost of their books — emphasizing quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. They prioritize meticulous craftsmanship, local printing, and FSC-certified paper, alongside fair author compensation. By choosing their books, readers support a mission-driven business committed to enhancing the human connection with nature.
Comprehensive Guide to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest Unveiled by Backcountry Press
Backcountry Press releases “Mushrooms of Cascadia,” a guide by mycologists Noah Siegel and Christian Schwarz. This 576-page book features 800 photographs and details of over 600 Pacific Northwest mushroom species, emphasizing their ecological and cultural significance. It’s designed for enthusiasts, researchers, and nature lovers, fostering appreciation for regional fungi.
Spring 2024 Virtual Class Announced
Explore the diverse sea vegetables of the Pacific Coast in a live, two-part online class on May 23 and 30, 2024. Led by environmental educator and seaweed enthusiast Allison Poklemba, this course offers detailed resources, a Sea Vegetable ID Card, and identifies various local seaweeds. Enjoy recordings at your convenience.
A note for you, Conifer Country lover
Twelve years after publishing “Conifer Country,” author and ecologist Michael Kauffmann reflects on the journey of the book and its impact. His work has led to a thriving business, Backcountry Press, and acknowledgment as a conifer ecologist. Changes in the landscape, like wildfires and climate shifts, prompted updates to the book, emphasizing the balance between appreciation and stewardship of ancient forests and rare conifers. Kauffmann encourages readers to explore and protect these natural wonders.
“New” Trillium in Northwest California
In a paper published in Madroño, Salmon Mountains wakerobin (Trillium oettingeri) has been elevated to a new species.
California’s Great Valley Vernal Pools
Vernal pools, seasonal wetlands that foster unique species, play a crucial role in preserving California’s biodiversity. “Conservation of California’s Great Valley Vernal Pool Landscapes” is the first comprehensive book focusing on vernal pool landscape conservation. It highlights threats like urbanization and invasive species and aims to inspire greater conservation efforts. The eBook is free and the paperback is available for a discounted price.
Sip the Forest: A Guide to Pacific Northwest Conifer Teas
Embark on a flavorful journey through the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, where the evergreen trees are not only charismatic megaflora, but also ingredients for a unique tea experience.
Mount Tamalpais
“Plants of Mount Tamalpais: Including Muir Woods” is a new book from Backcountry Press that explores the unique plant biodiversity of Mount Tamalpais in the San Francisco Bay Area. Authored by Robert Steers, who has studied the region’s flora for over a decade, the book highlights the area’s remarkable plant diversity, with emphasis on its rare and endemic species.
Second Printing Sale: The Klamath Mountains
Celebrating the one-year anniversary of “The Klamath Mountains: A Natural History,” a $15 discount is being offered on its second printing.
Coming Soon from BCP
We’ve been hard at work here at Backcountry Press World Headquarters and want you to know what books we will release soon. As always, thanks for your support!
Humboldt County’s Dog Poop Problem
Nova Garwood, a seventh grader at Jacoby Creek Elementary School in Humboldt County, has a black Labrador retriever named Sunny and loves to get outside with him. But on these adventures, she started to notice a large amount of dog poop on the trails she hiked – particularly near the trailheads. She started to ask some questions….
Best Fall Hikes in Humboldt
With the shift of the California Current, rains begin to fall in Humboldt County after a summer without. This rejuvenating moisture super-charges the landscape and the living world responds in wonderful ways.
Hiking Humboldt Volume 1
The book will arrive in Humboldt the last week of August 2023 FREE eBook with paperback purchase until September 2023 Primeval forests harboring the world’s tallest trees. Sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and towering coastal sand dunes. Mountain prairies, meadows, and vistas. Rivers, lakes, lagoons, and bays. Bears, elk, seals, otters, and birds galore. And solitude […]
Backcountry Press Hat
Our NEW HAT* wants to join you for: Embroidered on a super comfy, soft-banded, foam-front trucker hat. *We hope you enjoyed our best attempt at the Backcountry Press version of a J. Crew catalog description.
