Tom Kimmerer is chief scientist at Venerable Trees, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of woodland pastures and ancient trees in the Bluegrass. Trained as a tree physiologist and forest scientist, he has been a researcher and teacher in the United States, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
" Venerable Trees: History, Biology and Conservation in the
Bluegrass by Tom Kimmerer tells the story of the ancient trees --
the chinkapins, bur oaks and blue ashes -- that dot Kentucky
landscapes. Kimmerer...has meticulously researched and photographed
the giants that have somehow survived in both rural and urban
settings." -- Louisville Courier-Journal
"Kimmerer does a fabulous job of presenting complex matters in
simple, readable prose. The stories of particular trees both in the
Inner Bluegrass Basin and in the Nashville Basin are told alongside
an understanding of how different species of trees reproduce, how
that reproduction is aided by the natural environment, and with an
emphasis on the importance of these significant natural monuments.
All with a good collection of both black and white and color
photographs. Venerable Trees is highly recommended for the
arborist, the history buff, the preservationist, and those who love
Kentucky's natural beauty." -- Kaintuckeean
"From the intricate descriptions of large grassy areas ringed by
venerable trees to examples of dedication of enthusiastic
preservationists of Bluegrass Kentucky, we learn of efforts to
venerate, to protect, and to replenish the tree canopy of the
Bluegrass. Providing us with more than 100 color photographs and
the use of historical documents, this book is a critical volume for
public and university libraries." -- The Southeastern Librarian
"With Venerable Trees: History, Biology, and Conservation in the
Bluegrass, Tom Kimmerer takes us on a remarkable journey that is at
once cultural and personal, wide-ranging and intimate, challenging
and inspirational." -- Plant Science Bulletin
"While deeply grounded in science, this book is written with a
general audience in mind. It is easy to understand and filled with
interesting information and stories, plus useful maps,
illustrations and dozens of Kimmerer's beautiful photographs of the
trees.... Venerable Trees will likely become a classic among books
about Kentucky's natural history and environment, because it covers
so much new information in such an accessible way.... [T]his book
will give you a greater appreciation of Kentucky's oldest living
residents." -- Lexington Herald-Leader
" Venerable Trees will fill a valuable niche as Lexington and the
surrounding region make decisions about the future of our urban
forest. I don't know of another book like it." -- Andy Mead,
reporter at the Lexington Herald-Leader for 34 years
"[Kimmerer's] respect for [the trees] and the need to take care of
them is almost religious. Even if you are not a tree hugger, you
will be glad if you own and read this book." -- Voice-Tribune
"Kimmerer's use of historical documents helps the reader to see the
significant changes that have occurred since the advent of European
descendants into Central Kentucky. His work calls attention to the
significance of these trees and the need for greater sensitivity in
preserving them." -- John Tierney, retired naturalist for the
Kentucky State Parks
"The venerable trees that Kimmerer describes are vital to the
history, landscape, and ecosystem of both the Kentucky Bluegrass
and Nashville Basin regions. In addition to exploring their history
and biology, Kimmerer also suggests ways to protect the magnificent
trees, including detailed guidelines to aid in managing them and
proven strategies to promote their growth and natural regeneration.
The Bluegrass boasts a unique and picturesque landscape found
nowhere else in the Western Hemisphere. Without these venerable
trees, the very face of the region would be irrevocably altered."
-- Broadway World
"This beautifully illustrated book offers guidelines for conserving
ancient trees worldwide while educating readers about their life
cycle. [It] is an informative call to understand the challenges
faced by the companions so deeply rooted in the region's heritage
and a passionate plea for their preservation." -- Greater
Louisville Sierra Club
"This is a fascinating book about a unique landscape in the
Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. Trees with stout stems and enormous
crowns create scenic woodland pastures grazed by horses and cattle.
This book examines the origin and management of this landscape.
What part was played by the huge herds of bison that roamed and
grazed there before Europeans settled the Bluegrass? After
settlement, the bison vanished, along with their favored foods,
giant cane and native grasses, but the trees remain. Fire was not
the architect of this landscape. The striking similarity of the
Bluegrass woodland pastures to those of Europe suggests that both
habitats were created by large grazing animals. Experience with the
European woodland pastures may help answer the questions raised in
this wonderful book." -- Frans Vera, author of Grazing Ecology and
Forest History
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