Still Speaking of Nature

An engaging and accessible introduction to the natural world in New England and upstate New York.

An engaging and accessible introduction to the natural world in New England and upstate New York.

Through his popular newspaper column, "Speaking of Nature," and his 2001 book of the same title, professional naturalist Bill Danielson has introduced thousands of readers to the wonders and mystery of the natural world in New England and upstate New York. In Still Speaking of Nature, Danielson continues his observations of the nature, following the rhythm of the seasons in twenty-eight short essays that explore a diverse range of topics, from trilliums and katydids to meadow voles and moose. Taken together, they offer an engaging and accessible introduction to a fascinating world of nature that is often no farther away than our own backyards or neighborhood parks. "You cannot care for something you don't know about," Danielson writes, and whether you're a layperson or an experienced naturalist, his entertaining combination of science and humor will inspire you to explore the natural world and your place in it.

Bill Danielson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned a master's degree in wildlife biology. In his career as a naturalist and environmental researcher, he has worked as a law enforcement ranger for the National Park Service, a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service, a preserve steward for the Nature Conservancy, a field biologist for several research projects throughout the eastern half of North America, and a park interpreter and park ranger for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. For the past six years he has taught biology, chemistry, and physics at Pittsfield High School in Massachusetts. His "Speaking of Nature" column is published weekly in the Albany Times Union and the Recorder of Greenfield, Massachusetts. He currently lives in Altamont, New York.

Bill Danielson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned a master's degree in wildlife biology. In his career as a naturalist and environmental researcher, he has worked as a law enforcement ranger for the National Park Service, a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service, a preserve steward for the Nature Conservancy, a field biologist for several research projects throughout the eastern half of North America, and a park interpreter and park ranger for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. For the past six years he has taught biology, chemistry, and physics at Pittsfield High School in Massachusetts. His "Speaking of Nature" column is published weekly in the Albany Times Union and the Recorder of Greenfield, Massachusetts. He currently lives in Altamont, New York.

"…the book is an informative read for those with a natural curiosity for science and a fascination for our native New York environment." — Hudson Valley Magazine

"…an agreeable, insightful and well-written collection of essays written about nearby nature … Writing about nature and the environment is a challenge … Danielson treads this challenging literary ground with wit, insight and aplomb." — Schenectady Daily Gazette

"…this is a lovely second volume to the first … I adore them both, particularly since Danielson has a light touch, a tender eye and a gracious adoration of the simple things we all can enjoy outdoors." — Marion Roach, Martha Stewart Living Radio

"Still Speaking of Nature is hard to put down once begun. Its four parts coinciding with the seasons, may want to be reread time and time again as a reminder of what nature has in store for us as we enter spring, summer, fall and winter." — Berkshire Eagle

"After penning more than 530 columns, one would think Danielson would be running out of subjects to write about. The vast subject of nature and his own changing understanding of that world keeps things varied though … It's the real-life spirit of the columns that keeps readers coming back for more." — Spotlight News

"Bill's writing, full of facts and fine thoughts, gives us the craving to be out in nature's wondrous beauty." — Pete Dubacher, Director, Berkshire Bird Paradise