California Trees, by Matt Ritter and Michael Kauffmann, has won the 2025 National Outdoor Book Award. Honoring exceptional craft and scientific integrity, the guide celebrates California’s native forests and the authors’ shared mission to connect people with the trees that define the state’s diverse and extraordinary landscapes.
The Evolution of Trees of California: From Jepson to Today
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.
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.
