Walking San Francisco by Tom Downs (2007)
San Francisco, with its distinct neighborhoods and ample green areas, is a city made for walking. Tom Downs' guide offers 30 different walking tours highlighting the diversity and wonder of this 49 square mile slice of heaven we call home. Tours are arranged by neighborhood and by interest so if architecture is your passion, there's a tour for that. Or take a walk down the Barbary Coast and discover the irrepressible character of the city during the Gold Rush era.
The Bay Area Ridge Trail by Jean Rusmore (1995)
Written in cooperation with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, this guide details 33 different hikes, ranging in 3 to 13 miles, along the over 300 mile long trail the spans the varied terrain of the Bay Area. From lush redwood forests damp with timeless mystery to grassy high meadows bursting with lavish displays of California wildflowers, this guide has detail information on what to expect and invaluable tips for how to enjoy each step of discovery of nature's richness that lies literally at our doorstep. There is even a 3 mile tour of the Presidio that can be done in an afternoon. And be sure to check the calendar run by the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council for more information on upcoming hikes and events.
Truly a remarkable guide that allows both the novice and the seasoned geologist to explore the terrain beneath our feet. With over 30 maps covering the Bay Area from the ocean to the delta and from Napa down to Santa Cruz, this guide gives clear, non-technical explanations of the fascinating yet often complex geological forces that have shaped our region. Explore the forces of plate tectonics as you ramble across any of the numerous, and surprisingly, accessible fault systems that lie right under our noses. Each major Bay Area region has a dedicated chapter in which "Special Places to Explore" are highlighted.
For the lepidopterist in each one of us, this remarkable guide to the region's diverse collection of butterflies is a welcomed resource. This field guide boasts 31 color plates to help you find and identify both native and migrating species. The book also highlights where and when to find the serpentine endemics. Aside from being California's state rock, serpentine rocks has unusual chemistry that impacts the flora that grow in it and thus impacting the fauna. In the Bay Area, two species of butterflies are serpentine endemic and a further six are serpentine preferential. Seeing these angel-winged beauties in their native environment is a joy for child and adult alike.
This comprehensive guide to the scenic and recreational facilities of our varied and scenic shoreline from Oregon down to the Mexican border can help you plan an afternoon walk, a weekend foray or a week's leisurely drive up or down the down the coast. With great tips on what to do, how to explore the wetlands and tidepools, where to camp or inexpensive lodging options, this guide is a must check out before planning any adventure along the 770 mile California coastline.
The Islands of San Francisco Bay by James A. Martin and Michael T. Lee (2006)
The most recent addition to the Whole Earth Library at the Thoreau Center thanks to a gift by its author, James Martin, who spoke here on February 16th. Covering all 48 islands in the Bay, this remarkable book covers the ecology, geology and history of these islands. Packed with nearly 400 color photographs, many available for purchase at The Islands of the Bay website, this volume is a visual delight as well as an informative resource to consult before venturing out to explore the varied dots of land that break above the surface of the San Francisco Bay.
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