Libby Walker — who is now Libby Walker Davidson — illustrated the first edition of this book, which is now out in a second edition and has become a classic on winter ecology. It was her first big job and launched her career as a freelance artist and illustrator. LIFE IN THE COLD explains the forces of winter throughout the world and the many different ways that plants and animals cope with this mysterious, forbidding, and often misunderstood time of year. It is not a field guide for observing particular species in winter, but instead an ecological study that will sharpen the perception and deepen the appreciation of any naturalist or weekend hiker who reads it. It is environmental science at its best, renewing our wonder at the indomitability of life under the harshest of circumstances.

This recently published (2000) book provides an overview of Vermont’s geology, describes the biophysical regions of the state, explains critical concepts of ecology, and gives detailed descriptions of 80 natural community types currently recognized in Vermont. Gale Lawrence, author of this Web site, edited the entire manuscript, and Libby Walker Davidson, illustrator of this Web site, produced the exquisite pen-and-ink drawings of the natural communities. It is truly a collaborative effort that included the Vermont Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, many of Vermont’s best botanists, ecologists, and field naturalists — plus those of us who believe in them. Because for each of the community types it includes a list of characteristic plants, animals, statewide distribution, and examples to visit, it is a valuable resource for everyone who’s interested in Vermont.