It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way. Without permanent agriculture there is no possibility of a stable social order. Permaculture design is a system of assembling conceptual, material, and strategic components in a pattern which functions to benefit life in all its forms. The philosophy behind permaculture is one of working with, rather than against, nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless action; of looking at systems in all their functions rather than asking only one yield of them; and of allowing systems to demonstrate their own evolutions.

    Based on a major conference sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution, Biodiversity creates a systematic framework for analyzing the problem and searching for possible solutions.

    In Staying Alive she defines the links between ecological crises, colonialism, and the oppression of women. It is a scholarly and polemical plea for the rediscovery of the ‘feminine principle’ in human interaction with the natural world, not as a gender-based quality, rather an organizing principle, a way of seeing the world.” —the Guardian In this pioneering work, Vandana Shiva looks at the history of development and progress, stripping away the neutral language of science to reveal third-world development policy as the global twin of the industrial revolution. As Shiva makes clear, the way this development paradigm is being implemented—through violence against nature and women—threatens survival itself. She focuses on how rural Indian women experience and perceive the causes and effects of ecological destruction, and how they conceive of and initiate processes to stop the destruction and begin regeneration. As the world continues to follow destructive paths of development, Shiva’s Staying Alive is a fiercely relevant book that positions women not solely as survivors of the crisis, but as the source of crucial insights and visions to guide our struggle. Vandana Shiva is the author of many books, including Staying Alive, Earth Democracy, and Soil Not Oil. She is a leader in the International Forum on Globalization (IFG) and the Slow Food movement.

    These meditative verses--one for each week of the year--help awaken a feeling of unity with nature while also stimulating self-discovery. Through intensive work, Steiner's unique meditations will lead to a greater feeling of unity with the surrounding world. This budget-priced pocket version features Owen Barfield's pioneering translation-- "paraphrased for an English ear" --based on more than fifty years studying this text. As Barfield asserts, no simple translation can convey the real thrust of these verses. Because of this, he tries to "suggest" rather than simply reproduce the original in exact English translations. The Calendar of the Soul is a translation of "Anthroposophischer Seelenkalender," included in Wahrspruchworte (GA 40).

    In it, noted cultural historian Thomas Berry provides nothing less than a new intellectual-ethical framework for the human community by positing planetary well-being as the measure of all human activity.Drawing on the wisdom of Western philosophy, Asian thought, and Native American traditions, as well as contemporary physics and evolutionary biology, Berry offers a new perspective that recasts our understanding of science, technology, politics, religion, ecology, and education. He shows us why it is important for us to respond to the Earth’s need for planetary renewal, and what we must do to break free of the “technological trance” that drives a misguided dream of progress. Only then, he suggests, can we foster mutually enhancing human-Earth relationships that can heal our traumatized global biosystem.

    Scattered throughout are the author’s own petroglyph-style sketches.This new edition adds selections from work that appeared shortly before Abbey’s death: a chapter from Hayduke Lives!, the hilarious sequel to The Monkey Wrench Gang; excerpts from his revealing journals; and examples of his poetry. A new foreword by Doug Peacock—Abbey’s close friend and the model for the flamboyant activist Hayduke—offers a fond appreciation of this larger-than-life figure in American letters.

    Creatures that fear little, bears compete for survival with the only other animals that can threaten their existence: Humans. Bear Attacks is a thorough and unflinching study of attacks made on humans. This is the sometimes horrific, yet always instructive, story of Bear and Human, written by the leading scientific authority in the field. This book is for everyone who camps, hikes, or visits bear country -and for anyone who wants to learn more about these fearsome but always fascinating wild creatures.

    Sacred Land provides a radical historical perspective on the philosophical & economic roots of Western civilization's divorce from nature. Through cross-cultural anthropological research, Sacred Land then discusses humanity's original roots in relationship to ecosystems & animals, & in nature as the source of our spiritual & aesthetic consciousness. Finally, Sacred Land serves as a vital resource for dozens of traditional rituals that can help us to break our alienation from nature, & from each other, in order to move toward committed, fulfilling relationships. Sacred Land also provides:* an appendix outlining ten "Skillful Strategies" for rediscovering our original humanity & effecting change at a local level* a list of organizational resources* detailed reference notes* a selected bibliography* an in-depth glossary* a thoroughly cross-referenced index.

    Now an international bestseller, these are the fascinating adventures of a leading wolf expert on a National Geographic expedition, as he tracks the rare white Arctic wolf to its den and lives with the wolf pack.

    She paints an evocative portrait of her life on the farm in one of Wale's most beautiful and secret valleys. When the story takes us away from the farm and the animals, it is to accompany Jeanine in her radio work, seeking out rural characters with unusual skills and specializations- from herb gardeners to goose-sexers.

    Andre Voisin's rational grazing method maximizes productivity in both grass and cattle operations.

    Grouped around five themes (Adaptations, Habitats, Cycles, Designs of Nature, and Earth and Sky), fact-filled essays introduce each subject, followed by field-tested, experiential activities that engage students in learning about the natural world. With complete instructions and background information for teaching over 40 natural science units, and scientifically accurate drawings illustrating each topic, this easy-to-use, beautifully illustrated, up-to-date environmental education handbook both enables novice leaders to teach nature subjects successfully and offers creative new approaches for experienced educators.

    It helps us experience our place in the web of life, rather than on the apex of some human-centred pyramid. An important deep ecology educational tool for both groups and personal reflection.

    Goethe had discovered how thinking could be applied to organic nature and that this experience requires not just rational concepts but a whole new way of perceiving. In an age when science and technology have been linked to great catastrophes, many are looking for new ways to interact with nature. With a fundamental declaration of the interpenetration of our consciousness and the world around us, Steiner shows how Goethe's approach points the way to a more compassionate and intimate involvement with nature.

    

    It is a tour de force drawing upon the author's extensive work on the history of infection, as well upon evidence drawn from archaeology, history and demography.

    Now in this completely updated second edition, we learn of discoveries made in the last decade as the family has grown from about 2500 species to nearer 3200. The latest taxonomic and nomenclatural revisions are noted in the checklist of genera, and all the original drawings are included plus twice as many color photos. A new guide to the cultivation of ornamental aroids completes this well-rounded introduction to a remarkable family.

    Lizards dart, tortoises creep, and snakes glide out of sight.The Mojave Desert is a special place. Its landscape is powerful and mesmerizing.Here is an extraordinary celebration of this vast and ever-changing wonder for readers and nature lovers of all ages.

    A new preface brings Trimble's critical commentary up to date.Contributors:Edward Abbey , Wendell Berry, Annie Dillard, Gretel Ehrlich. Robert Finch, Linda Hasselstrom, John Hay, Edward Hoagland, Sue Hubbell, Barry Lopez, John Madson, Peter Matthiessen, John McPhee, Gary Paul Nabhan, Richard Nelson, Robert Michael Pyle, David Quammen, Stephen Trimble, Terry Tempest Williams, and Ann Zwinger.