Wisconsin State Parks

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Extraordinary Stories of Geology and Natural History

Scott Spoolman

Visit twenty-eight of Wisconsin's most glorious parks, forests, and natural areas where the state's striking geologic and natural history are on full display.

264 pages, 7 x 9, 88 color photos, 6 maps
Paperback: $26.95 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-849-2
Ebook: $15.99 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-850-8
Publication Date: 4/27/2018

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Description

Hit the trail for a dramatic look at Wisconsin's geologic past. Author Scott Spoolman takes readers with him to twenty-eight parks, forests, and natural areas where evidence of the state's striking geologic and natural history are on display. In an accessible storytelling style, Spoolman sheds light on the volcanoes that poured deep layers of lava rock over a vast area in the northwest, the glacial masses that flattened and molded the landscape of northern and eastern Wisconsin, mountain ranges that rose up and wore away over hundreds of millions of years, and many other bedrock-shaping phenomena.

These stories connect geologic processes to the current landscape, as well as to the evolution of flora and fauna and development of human settlement and activities, for a deeper understanding of our state's natural history. The book also includes a selection of detailed trail guides for each park, which hikers can take with them on the trail to view evidence of Wisconsin's geologic and natural history for themselves.

Author Bio

Scott Spoolman is a science writer focused on the environmental sciences. After earning a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism, he worked for several years as an editor in the publishing industry, and since 1996, he has worked as a freelance writer and editor for a variety of outlets. Spoolman is the author of Wisconsin Waters from WHS Press, and he has coauthored several editions of a series of environmental science textbooks. Throughout his life he has enjoyed exploring the forests and waters of the upper Midwest, as well as the mountains of the western and eastern United States. His passion for the outdoors led him to develop an avid interest in geology and natural history, especially in his home state of Wisconsin.

To truly appreciate Wisconsin’s stunning state parks, you need to understand the geologic forces that formed them. Spoolman’s accessible style and helpful hiking suggestions make this a great book for both geology geeks and recreational hikers.

Melanie McManus

Author of "Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail"

“This handsome and highly readable guide helps us to celebrate the natural beauty and geologic history of our state parks. Every home should have a copy, and so should every car.”

—Robert H. Dott Jr., coauthor of Roadside Geology of Wisconsin