Ponderosa

Big Pine of the Southwest

By Sylvester Allred

The University of Arizona Press

For hundreds of years, the massive ponderosa pine of the U.S. Southwest has left multitudes in awe. After spending nearly three decades researching among these trees, Sylvester Allred shares his wealth of experience in the southwestern ponderosa pine forests with the world in Ponderosa.

Ponderosa is the first of its kind to provide an introduction to the natural and human histories of the ponderosa pine forests of the Southwest that is accessible to all who wish to enjoy the forests. The book offers knowledge on elemental aspects of the forests, such as the structure of the trees, as well as theoretical perspectives on issues such as climate change. Included are discussions of biogeography, ecology, and human and natural history, illustrated by over fifty color photographs throughout.

Allred presents his observations as if he is recalling his thoughts over the course of a walk in a ponderosa pine forest. His imagery-saturated prose provides an informal and enjoyable approach to discovering the history and environment of the ponderosa pine. Using a concise, straightforward writing style, Allred invites readers to explore the forests with him.

Ponderosa includes:

More than 50 color photos
Learn how to estimate the age of a tree
See the reptiles, birds, and mammals that make their home in ponderosa pine forests
Much more!

Author
Contents

Sylvester Allred is a principal lecturer emeritus at Northern Arizona University. He is author of The Natural History of Tassel-Eared Squirrels, as well as several children’s books. He has served as an ecological consultant for the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Department of Energy, and the Discovery Channel. He currently consults with McGraw-Hill and Oxford University Press on biology, geology, environmental science, and oceanography textbooks.

List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author’s Note

Introduction
Where Are the Ponderosa Pine Forests?
Pinus ponderosa, Cone-Bearers, and Naked Seeds
Yellowbellies, Blackjacks, and Spiral Growth
One House, Winged Seeds, and Golden Pollen
Tiny Seedlings
Energy Factories
The Rest of the Tree—Alive or Dead?
Sculptures of the Forest
Pine Scents, Sapsuckers, and Naval Stores
Roots, Underground Fungi, False Truffles, and Mushrooms
Residents of the Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forest
Who Owns the Forests?
Tree Scars
Uses of Ponderosas from Past to Present
Plant Neighbors
Mistletoe and Witches’ Brooms
A Bit of Geology
Bark Beetles
Other Insects and Fungi
Fire and Flood
Climate Change—It’s Real
The Beginning (Not “The End”)
Taxonomy and Scientific Name of the Ponderosa Pine
Checklist of Some of the Mammals of the Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests
Checklist of Some of the Birds of the Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests
Brief History of the Establishment and Responsibilities of the U.S. Forest Service
Suggested Readings
Literature Consulted
Index

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