The Blues: Natural history of the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington

The Blue Mountains, stretching south of Walla Walla into central Oregon, are one of the Pacific Northwest's iconic mountain ranges. Formed by successive periods of volcanic activity, home to diverse forest and grassland ecosystems, and rich in wildlife, the Blues have long held a special fascination for all who live in and recreate in the range s embrace. Now the Blues unique natural history is the subject of a new book by geologist and Whitman College professor emeritus Bob Carson, The BLUES: Natural history of the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. Combining scholarly and elegant writings plus outstanding photography from more than a dozen contributors, The BLUES is the first volume ever to take its readers deep into the story of the range s creation and history. In geological parlance, the Blue Mountains are a long anticlinal ridge composed mostly of basalt flows, stretching from Clarno, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington. Carson explores the Blues young basalt flows as well as a variety of much older rocks that reveal Earth history for hundreds of millions of years. Atop of Blues is a rare grass tree mosaic, with dense forests on north- and east-facing slopes, and meadows rich in wildflowers on south- and west-facing inclines. The Blues mixture of grassland and forests provides critical habitat for many birds, large mammals, and other animals. Donald Worster, America s preeminent living environmental historian, wrote, Led by geologist Robert Carson, a diverse group of writers and photographers have collaborated to reveal this superb piece of our natural heritage. They give us reliable facts, stunning images, and a deep love of landscape. What a feast for the mind and eyes! He continues: I hope this book increases that number of devotees exponentially. It has put the Blues at the top of my list of natural wonders to explore.