Georgia is such a big state – 159 counties – and with
hundreds of cool natural places to visit and explore, it’s hard to know where
to start (or continue). I’ve written before about an older book called Favorite
Wildflower Walks of Georgia that has 20 recommendations. A new book came
out that has 35 recommendations (and a few of them are duplicated from the
other book, an indicator of just how special those places are).
Authored by writer Charles Seabrook and artist Ann Litrel,
this book provides two different perspectives on each location. Charles is the
experienced explorer, describing some of his favorite natural wonders, a list
that he compiled in 2008 with the help of naturalist friends. Ann found his
list and embarked on a quest to paint them all; being new to many of these places,
her personal wonder and artwork both add a perspective not always seen, yet often
felt. [For budding artists, her sketches include notes about the techniques she
used to create them.]
35 Natural Wonders of Georgia introduces each of these to ordinary Georgians. With places located in
all 5 ecoregions of Georgia, there is sure to be at least one of these relatively
near any of us. Others would be worthy of short day-trips or longer vacations.
Some of these places are field trip destinations by Georgia Botanical Society, an organization
of passionate amateur and professional botanists.
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| Mountain laurel Pine Mountain |
Yet as I read the chapters on even the ones I have visited, Ann’s excited descriptions and artwork make me want to visit them again. Charlie’s text provides background about the sites and good context for why these places are so very special (and I learned several things!).
I hope this book will inspire you to visit some of these natural wonders. Conservation of special places depends on people who learn to appreciate them.
Photo of book courtesy of UGA Press.
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