Praise
Praise for Secrets of the Oak Woodlands
(Scroll down to find praise for Kate’s talks and walks)
Fremontia Magazine review; Blue Heron review (p.7);
Pacific Horticulture review; Goodreads reviews;
“A wonderful enrichment for hikers and nature lovers, Secrets of the Oak Woodlands is highly recommended.”—The Midwest Book Review
“Your book is a beautiful masterpiece of fine writing alongside skillful, deep research. I love the way you observe the natural world and bring the reader into generous, loving relationship with plants and animals that might otherwise be overlooked. This book is a classic of California natural history writing.”—David Lukas, author of Birds of the Bay Area
“Hello Kate! I live here in Mendocino County and my dear friends introduced me to your book. I bought my own copy about a year ago, and it has become my favorite pre-bedtime read. I often open it at random, and though I’ve already read every chapter multiple times, I still find little tidbits and details I hadn’t remembered, and love sharing them with my kids the next day. My 10-year-old niece who lives in Bend, OR recently got her hands on the book and was enthralled. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful insights with the world and teaching our family to appreciate all of the small wonders around us.”—Noor Dawood
“A wide range of nature enthusiasts will enjoy Kate Marianchild’s informative and well-balanced natural history book….Marianchild’s articulate yet easy to understand writing style makes the book suitable for armchair readers to investigative scholars. The science is clear, research up-to-date, and depth satisfying…At the same time she inserts interesting relevant information and builds the readers’ appreciation for intricately rich oak woodlands.”—Fremontia (statewide newsletter of the California Native Plant Society). Read full review.
“I love this book. It reads like a walk in the woods with the best naturalists. The clear layout helps me scan for the information that I am looking for, or browse and learn something new. The natural history stories in this book are detailed and rich, sharing discoveries from the latest research and field observations. You cannot help falling more deeply in love with oak woodlands and feeling inspired to care for them.”—John Muir Laws, author-illustrator of The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada
“In this sublime ode to California’s most ubiquitous plant community, Kate Marianchild fills the oak woodlands with life, enabling us to peer under fallen leaves, gaze inside layers of bark, and look deeply at animals that scurry on the branches, burrow under the roots, and rest in the shade of trees and shrubs. Secrets of the Oak Woodlands introduces you to the magical community of the oak and its neighbors—like the coyote, western fence lizard, and California quail—and once you’ve read this book, you’ll forever see the oak woodland as the catalyst for a marvelous array of life.”—Beth Pratt, California director, National Wildlife Federation
“Kate Marianchild’s beautiful and celebratory work guides us through an exploration of trees, trunks, and the creatures that make them home. Open this book and join this biologically diverse community. You’ll be glad you did.”—Dan Gluesenkamp, executive director, California Native Plant Society
“I’m really enjoying your book. I’ve been giving it as gifts…thank you for your heart work with oaks!” ––M. Kat Anderson, author of Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California’s Natural Resources.
★★★★★ I was absolutely charmed by this book! The author’s knowledge and passion leapt off every page…I was delighted to find such a factual trove of information inside, all written in a highly engaging style and with beautiful illustrations. — Baxter Trautman, author of Spirit of the Valley: An Ecological Mythology of Oak Woodlands and the La Franco series. (Quoted on Goodreads).
“My class on Ecology Writing is reading your book. So far, we have read Thoreau, Annie Dillard, Aldo Leopold, John Muir and now you. My students are enjoying your book immensely and think it’s the best of what we’ve read so far.” ––Victoria Patterson, PhD
“Your book is like a rich painting to me. I never put it away or get tired of it, and I’m continuously reading it. It never leaves my night stand.”—Joe Mueller, biology professor, College of Marin
“Just a quick note to let you know my field ecology is loving your book. I’ve heard much unsolicited praise–so much, in fact, that even some of the young people in the class who rarely read books are starting to read it!” ––Joe Mueller, biology professor, College of Marin
★★★★★ “One of the most charming and informative natural history books I’ve ever read. The author has a knack for taking her research and crafting a story about each member of the ecosystem she covers, from acorns and scrub-jays to lichen and poison oak. I read no more than one chapter a day, to prolong the enjoyment, and
ended up buying copies as gifts for friends and family.” –– Janet Rosen (posted on Goodreads)
★★★★★ “This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about the predominant landscape in Northern California (and other parts of California, as well).
I had been searching for a book on this topic for years, but gave up after finding nothing. Then I came across the book in the Norton Simon Museum bookshop and snapped it up. I can’t believe I hadn’t seen it before. Now I see it everywhere, including on a recent trip to Muir Woods. It’s an excellent introduction to the major flora and fauna, how they fit together and how the ecosystem works. The studies of animal behavior are fascinating.” — JT Kerper (posted on Goodreads)
★★★★★ “This is a marvelous, lively, personable book about the denizens who surround my home in northwestern Sonoma County, California. It has enabled be to be more understanding as well as more curious about the creatures around me and thirst for more knowledge about them.” Zoe (posted on Goodreads)
“I’m so pleased to have your book as a reference guide to what I see daily. In the short time we’ve been here I’ve observed almost all the species you write about at close hand: coveys of quail, acorn woodpeckers, bluebirds, oak titmouse, blue bellies, ground squirrels, mistletoe, oak galls, etc. Having your work at hand has enhanced my knowledge and appreciation of the beauty of this wonderful ecosystem.My days are filled with birdsong, literally and figuratively, thanks to your book. Thank you.” — Robert Groos
“I keep your beautiful book “Secrets of the Oak Woodlands” handy at all times, as a mood elevator. I live with these complex spirits you describe and love. Heartfelt thanks!” — John Lewallen
“I’ve been meaning to write to you, now that I have a copy of your book. It’s wonderful!! You’re a talented writer, and you bring the oak woodlands to life in a very lively and entertaining way while at the same time presenting a lot of scientific information (for which I know you did an enormous amount of research). The gall chapter looked good–I didn’t notice any errors. I’m glad the book is doing well — I’m not surprised.”—Joyce Gross, photographer, naturalist, and oak gall expert
“I want you to know that I’ve been raving about your book wherever I go! I have a new relationship with my environment, one of great delight, now. And you are a fabulous writer–it’s engaging, informative, and just plain well written.”––Margo Frank
“Marianchild’s enthusiasm is infectious because she grounds it so well in precise observation, skilled prose, and careful research. Each essay is packed with fascinating and marvelously concise assemblages of facts gleaned from scientific studies. The result is both educational and entertaining. Like the best entertainment, it leaves the reader wishing for more.” (Full review at Blue Heron.)
“I have purposely read only half a chapter at a time, savoring it. I finished it last night. I may need to start over at the beginning. I thought I knew the most familiar plants and critters I share the area with, but I was wrong! There is much to marvel at in Kate’s description of their interconnectedness; her way of turning detailed information into descriptive anecdotes is compelling. Definitely the book I’m giving as gifts this year!––Janet Rosen
“I read your chapter on oak galls to my 7 & 10 year olds tonight as a bedtime story–they love your book too. I also gave your book to my mother; we are both excited and surprised to see how much we are learning about our local flora and fauna. Your book shows us how many more exciting secrets the natural world has to teach us. A naturalist who can write words that seem as alive as their subject is actually quite rare.”––Kathleen Fogarty-Chaniot
“The book, Secrets of the Oak Woodland, by Kate Marianchild, is an absolute jewel. I have been doing a lot of docent training (Topanga Docents, Children’s Nature Institute, Stunt Ranch Docents) lately, and her book is at the top of my list of recommendations for new docents.––Doug Allan, Coordinator of annual Field Ecology Weekend at Malibu Creek State Park (from an email addressed to Heyday).
“Did you know that bluebelly lizards have a third eye? Most people don’t know this important tidbit of information. If you want to find out more, read this book! We hike the Sutter Buttes all winter long with field trips of students. This winter we took around 1500 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. This book, Secrets of the Oak Woodlands, has been an excellent source of information about oak woodlands.” —Kathleen Payne, on the website Goodreads (where Secrets of the Oak Woodlands has received mostly five-star ratings).
“Dear Kate, Your book has become a favorite with our docents. In fact, we’re planning to build a public hike around the concept of the oak woodlands, concentrating on your featured plants and animals.––Staci Hobbet, Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, Mount Diablo State Park
“Kate and I share a keen interest in scientific discovery. Her book is like an encyclopedia of science, stories, and characters of the natural world you will delight in. It’s as if you just stumbled upon a world once hidden but now in full view…and it is breath taking.” — Betty Lacy, M.D.
“I love your book, the structure of the chapters, the flap that tucks itself into a page to be read aloud to Robin when she gets home and another to mark place. The whimsy mixed with science opens my eyeballs to Grandmother Oak next door with her communities of Woodpecker and Oriole and new insights about the three generations of Quail we have been feeding in our yard.”––Margy Henderson
“I purchased a copy of your book in August and every night read a chapter. I must simply say you have written a great book. I love the way you mixed your observations, those of others and the scientific facts in an almost storybook manner. It was a great read and I have recommended it to others. Now I’m on the hunt for a copy I can gift to my niece for her birthday.” Brad Barnwell, docent, Clear Lake State Park
“I’ve read your book once, and I’m most of the way thru it the 2nd time. I was inspired by your talk about close focusing binoculars, so I got me a pair. They focus from as close as 18” to as far as infinity. Cool.”—Charlie Seltzer
“Dear Malcolm and Associates: Thank you for seeing “Secrets of the Oak Woodlands” from start to this beautiful finished book! Congratulations to Kate Marianchild for weaving her knowledge into magic! With gratitude, Janet.” (from Janet Cobb, President of California Oaks Foundation to Malcolm Margolin, publisher of Heyday.
Note: California Oaks Foundation, a project of California Wildlife Foundation, helped fund the production of Secrets of the Oak Woodlands and has bought 1,600 copies, which it has given away to its members statewide, to Governnor Brown, and to state legislators. CWF is doing all it can to conserve our rapidly disappearing oak woodlands.
For Kate’s talks and walks
“Thank you so much for taking the time to present for us. Your talk has officially become our top webinar of all time! We had 710 registrations, and 452 attendees. You’re officially more popular locally than Douglas Tallamy, Lorenzo Washington, and James Edward Mills, among many others.”––Ingrid Stearns, On the Land Program Manager, Sonoma Land Trust
“Norm and I so appreciated tonight’s talk. After each of your talks I truly feel I will never look at things the same way again. I can’t wait to share the excitement with my grandchildren. With deep gratitude, Karen Rosen.”
“Kate, You were extraordinary tonight: clearly in your element, comfortably charismatic, warm, vulnerable, quick-witted and responsive to the audience. You are a gifted speaker as well as a gifted writer. The prose that you read touched me to the core. You captured the crowd’s full attention, including mine. I was astounded by all that I learned. Congratulations. It’s a beautiful, beautiful baby that you materialized, a baby that I expect to better the world in unexpected and impactful ways.”––Shonduel (following the book signing at Mendocino Book Company)
“You were absolutely outstanding! I’ve received many comments from members and attendees in general about how much they enjoyed your presentation. It really was a wonderful combination of detailed information, humor and good speaking. So many people commented on what they learned about the critical value of Poison Oak, Mistletoe and Lace Lichens. I’m giving serious consideration, in fact, to planting some poison oak in my own yard, not only for the food value for critters, but for the color, which I’ve always enjoyed.”––Virginia Hotz-Steenhoven, program chair, Milo Baker Chapter of California Native Plant Society (following a slide presentation).
WOW! You were so well organized, knowledgeable, engaging, entertaining, inspiring. And the slides were also marvelous. I’m so glad I made it and that it was so well-attended. Bravo! — Madge Strong, Willits Mayor and City Councilwoman; Director of Willits Economic Localization.
“I am SOOOOOO happy that you took the chance to come all the way down here and do a program and a walk for us. Docents are gushing about the opportunity and I feel that I got to meet one of the rock stars of the natural world. You are a marvel. I hope to someday know a quarter of what you do and be able to share it with people!”—Kym Teppo, Director of Programs, Friends of Huddart and Wunderlich Parks, San Mateo County
On our guided walks Kate imparted her incredible knowledge––of newts and woodrats, manzanitas and lichens, to name a few––in ways that excited and fascinated us. She encouraged us to look closely and listen to everything, no matter how small or quiet. Once, when we heard a cicada, she asked us to find it. Then, while we watched this intricate insect and its subtly moving parts (all greatly magnified through close-focusing binoculars), she explained what it was doing on the plant stem, how and why it was “singing,” and how it avoids overheating when it sings in the hottest part of the day. Being still enough to really pay attention, and then learning right then and there about what we were seeing, fed not only my heart, but my mind! –– Mary Waters
My husband and I joined with Kate Marianchild and 10 other people for 5 Thursdays this fall. We would like to recommend this class if you are interested oak woodlands and would like a greater understanding of their beauty and how our natural world supports itself. Kate is an example of a life long learner with an exuberant spirit and inexhaustible joy for the beauty around us. Truly a wonder!!! –– Rhonda Gluckman
“Thank you so much for your fabulous guided walk at Elkhorn slough. We learned so much and are excited to revisit this wonderful resource with new eyes!”––Elizabeth Ferguson, Monterey Bay Birding Festival
Just a note to say that the walk yesterday was really great. Your knowledge is staggering and I really appreciate you sharing it. Who ever knew that woodrats built those complex homes or the existence of “turret spiders”? It was a gorgeous day with great company. The trail is now on my list of things to do. ––Nancy Kozak
“It has been a pleasure to be with you as you awaken and excite people to the wonders of the other ones that we inhabit this Earth with. The only way we will all survive is to learn to appreciate all of them, and to listen to what they have to say. I loved our silent walking, brilliant idea. I was using the close-focus binocs yesterday to watch honeybees on a sunflower yesterday and thinking of you.”––Nantzy Hensley, co-owner of Real Goods
After taking your class, I have a new respect for the smallest creatures crawling beneath my feet as I walk in the meadow and along the forest floor. I now look up when I hear a bird call, hoping to follow it to its nest or see if it’s alone or with a mate. If I flush a bird from the ground, I may look to see if there is a nest hidden in a bush. I know the difference between a white oak and a black oak and their idiosyncrasies and differences. Flowers, poison oak, oak galls. So many wonders. I want to do it all again. ––Char Jacobs
Kate Marianchild’s Walking in Wonder Class has opened up for me a magical world that has unfolded right before my eyes. She is shows the intricate and very specific adaptations and relationships plants, animals and insects have formed for survival. Her enthusiasm and joy are infectious. Our group went on explorative day trips to beautiful locals in our inland Mendocino area. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in native plants and our local environment. It is a portal to the beauty surrounding us. –– Susan Panofsky
“Walking with Kate Marianchild in the old-growth redwoods of Montgomery Woods is like taking a tour of the Sistine Chapel with Michaelangelo.”–John Schaeffer, founder of Real Goods and Solar Living Institute.
It was great meeting with you at Folger Tables in Woodside. I enjoyed your wonderful talk and photos. I went on a walk in the oak forest today and it is even more alive for me after meeting you and starting to read your book. ––Elaine McMaster