Book Reviews of the Northeastern Naturalist, Issue 15/3, 2008 Franconia Notch and the Women Who Saved It. Kimberly A. Jarvis. 2007. University Press of New England, Lebanon, NH. 163 pp. $25.95, softcover. ISBN 1584656271. This excellent work is an indepth look at the campaign to preserve the Franconia Notch wilderness area in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the 1920s. Well researched and filled with details about the White Mountain landscape of the late 1800s and early 1900s and those who fought to save it from ravaging by timber companies, this story is a fascinating case study of the origins of the American conservation movement. This book is outstanding reading for anyone interested in the rise of a land conservation ethic in New England, as well as the national move to save and preserve the threatened wilderness landscapes in the United States. J.E. and K.G. Wildlife of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Charles Fergus. 2000. Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA. 438 pp. $19.95, softcover. ISBN 0811728994. This book brings together in one easyto- read compendium the vast natural variety found in the state of Pennsylvania and on into the New England area. It is a reference work that is also a delight to read. The author has managed to blend, in an engaging writing style, personal observations and anecdotes together with well-researched scientific information regarding a wide array of the diverse fauna of the Northeast. Following a brief introduction, the book is organized into sections on mammals, birds, and amphibians and reptiles. With numerous illustrations by Amelia Hansen, this book is highly recommended for naturalists of all types. J.E. and K.G. Pennsylvania Caves and Other Rocky Roadside Wonders. Kevin Patrick. 2004. Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA. 248 pp. $19.95, softcover. ISBN 0811726320. With numerous maps and black-and-white photographs, this book is a study of the nine operational caves open to the public in Pennsylvania, as well as seven others from years before. Written in a popular, non-technical style by a professor of geography at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, this book is a useful guide for exploration and recreation in one of America’s most diverse natural realms. It includes information on the basic geology of the region, the natural processes that created the cave systems, and their development into tourist attractions. A chapter is included that describes some of Pennsylvania’s other geologic curiosities such as coal mines, boulder fields, rock cities, ice mines, profile rocks, and more. An excellent guide for all who want to explore Pennsylvania's natural wonders. J.E. and K.G. Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in Northeastern North America. Aram J. K. Calhoun and Phillip G. de- Maynedier (Eds.). 2007. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, fl. 363 pp. $99.95, hardcover. ISBN 0849336759. This book is an excellent resource for the study of seasonal pools, and pulls together information from a diverse variety of sources. It sets the tone by introducing seasonal pools as the keystone ecosystem in the northeastern forests of North America. The text covers a wide range of topics beginning with classifi- cation, hydrology, and identification of vernal pools. The second section then focuses on the flora and fauna associated with vernal pools. The final set of chapters examines conservation policy and tools for a science-based, site- and landscape- scale approach to managing and conserving these threatened ecosystems. This volume contains contributions from over thirty scientists, and synthesizes decades of related research. It should prove valuable to natural history students and researchers, as well as to conservation policy makers. J.E. and K.G. Book Reviewers: J.E. =