In Search of Meadowlarks: Birds, Farms, and Food in Harmony with the Land

by John M. Marzluff Narrated by Danny Campbell

Overview

An ornithologist's personal look at farming practices that finds practical solutions for sustainable food production compatible with bird and wildlife conservation



With predictions of a human population of more than nine billion by the middle of this century and eleven billion by 2100, we stand at a crossroads in our agricultural evolution. In this clear and engaging yet scientifically rigorous book, wildlife biologist John M. Marzluff takes a personal approach to sustainable agriculture.



He travels to farms and ranches across North and Central America, including a Nebraska corn and soybean farm, California vineyards, cattle ranches in Montana, and small sustainable farms in Costa Rica, to understand the unique challenges and solutions to sustainable food production. Agriculture and wildlife can coexist, he argues, if farmers are justly rewarded for conservation; if future technological advancements increase food production and reduce food waste; and if consumers cut back on meat consumption. Beginning with a look backwards at our evolutionary history and concluding with practical solutions for change that will benefit farmers and ranchers, Marzluff provides an accessible and insightful study for the ecologically minded citizen, farmer, rancher, or conservationist.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Excellent . . . a rare offering on the subject of agriculture and sustainability within the farming industry. . . . Highly recommended for all interested in agriculture, ranching, natural history, conservation, sustainability, and ecology.”—Library Journal

“[Marzluff’s] latest book takes us . . . to rural areas where farmers are attempting to live in harmony with wildlife. The focus this time is on the humans, not the birds, spotlighting the successes and limitations of sustainable agriculture.”—Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History

“Evidence-based, accessible, and remarkably eloquent throughout. . . . Equally intriguing to farmers, ranchers, birders, and naturalists. . . . Should be on the shelf of every ornithologist seeking innovative ways to sustain bird communities and to feed the next generation of people in a rapidly changing world.”—Liba Pejchar, Ornithological Applications

“Marzluff highlights a path to a more viable, sustainable future of farming. . . . Highly recommended. All readers.”—Choice

Choice Outstanding Academic Titles, 2020

“An eloquent, science-based perspective on how meadowlarks and cows, owls and vineyards, and other wildlife and agricultural practices can co-exist and provide abundant and healthy food. A must-read for everyone.”—Bernd Heinrich, author of The Snoring Bird

“John Marzluff has followed meadowlarks to find inspiring stories of renewal and hope, and through them we can find our way forward.”—Curt Meine, author of Aldo Leopold: His Life and Work

“John Marzluff’s book is well-written, thoughtful, and timely, especially when biodiversity is in drastic decline.”—Alexis Racelis, University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
 
“John Marzluff’s In Search of Meadowlarks is an epic look at the deep connections between us, the birds we love best, and our food supply. It’s a rich tapestry of meadowlarks and farmers, crows and cows, science and story. If you love songbirds, enjoy a great read, or eat food, you really need to read this book.”—Sy Montgomery, author of Birdology, The Soul of an Octopus, and How to Be a Good Creature
 
“John Marzluff takes us beyond abstract discussions of agriculture and shows how different approaches to farming directly affect families and local communities, as well as economic productivity and biological diversity.”—Robert A. Askins, author of Saving the World’s Deciduous Forests and Restoring North America’s Birds
 
“In Search of Meadowlarks provides great insights into complex issues concerning sustainability and the environment.”—Temple Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human
 
“Ecological detective John Marzluff sifts through clues on farms from Nebraska to Costa Rica to find out why meadowlarks and numerous other bird species are vanishing. The resulting sad but optimistic tale will keep you riveted, and likely lead you to put down that hamburger.”—Virginia Morell, author of the best-selling Animal Wise: How We Know Animals Think and Feel
 
“The way farming affects wildlife is one of the most urgent problems facing humanity. John Marzluff has produced a wise, readable and—above all—optimistic look at the issues.”—Tim Birkhead, University of Sheffield, author of The Wonderful Mr Willughby: The First True Ornithologist

Library Journal

02/01/2020

Marzluff (environmental & forest sciences, Univ. of Washington, Seattle) writes an excellent monograph, a rare offering on the subject of agriculture and sustainability within the farming industry. Much of this wide-ranging work, enhanced by an impressive bibliography, extensive chapter notes, and 60 photographs, focuses on the West, as well as farms and ranches in Central America. Marzluff shares his extensive firsthand experience on productive farms and ranches, documenting their virtues but also relating cautionary tales of the ecological problems they may cause. While lamenting the lack of diversity of large-scale agribusiness, with its emphasis on vast, profitable monocultures, Marzluff gives convincing examples of how farms and ranches can diversify, often, but not always, economically. Helpful are his recommendations on how to reduce food waste and cut back on our predilection for meat. VERDICT Highly recommended for all interested in agriculture, ranching, natural history, conservation, sustainability, and ecology.—Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia

JUNE 2020 - AudioFile

I started listening to this audiobook on sustainable agriculture while tending my vegetable garden. While that was a pleasant coincidence, one hopes that those most in need of hearing the message of this book will listen and learn from it. Danny Campbell takes an almost conversational tone in his narration. It makes the anecdotes sound like personal stories told among friends yet renders the scientific material accessible to lay listeners. He also varies his pace to fit the material. The author’s straightforward style adapts well to audio, and many of the micro-scale lessons are easily applied. Larger scale solutions will require citizen pressure on local, state, and federal governments. The title, by the way, refers to the disappearance of many native grassland songbirds. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177566221
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	05/12/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

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