In Search of Meadowlarks, John M. Marzluff
In Search of Meadowlarks, John M. Marzluff
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In Search of Meadowlarks
Birds, Farms, and Food in Harmony with the Land

Author: John M. Marzluff

Narrator: Danny Campbell

Unabridged: 11 hr 17 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 05/12/2020

Categories: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals


Synopsis

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.

About John M. Marzluff

John M. Marzluff is professor of environmental and forest sciences at the University of Washington and is the author or coauthor of several books, including In the Company of Crows and Ravens, Dog Days, Raven Nights, and Welcome to Subirdia. He lives in Snohomish, Washington.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Julie on January 28, 2024

The official jacket description is well done and accurate. Marzluff's voice and approach are not critical, but friendly and open-minded. He seeks solutions and innovations, not controversy. His abiding passion for birds takes some chapters quite deep into technical territory, but they are still appr......more

Goodreads review by Brenda on May 09, 2023

I live in an area where farmers are not land stewards. There are no hedgerows or pollinator strips, trees are removed annually, and fertilizer/pesticide/insecticide application is rampant. Livestock is managed in ways that are not healthy for the livestock or the environment. I enjoyed this lore pos......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on January 17, 2021

Decent if not a bit tedious read about modern agriculture and the concepts of land sparing and land sharing, which if done properly in the right situations can produce food, be in balance with nature, and enhance biodiversity.......more

Goodreads review by Kathy on June 15, 2022

Marzluff writes about visits to a variety of farms where practices range from intense large-scale agricultural landscapes in the American midwest to eco-tourism based farms in Costa Rica. The focus is on how wildlife, mostly birds, persist under various management practices. The book supports my int......more

Goodreads review by Kaye on March 26, 2020

Overall,an interesting read, but would have preferred to read on my gadget instead of the computer. I was interested in the concept, since the meadowlark is a favorite bird of mine. Love the colors and song of this happy bird. The state bird of North Dakota. Would recommend.......more