Wildflowers and ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin / Dan Dourson and Judy Dourson ; with important contributions by Halard Lescinsky, Adam Rollins, Alan Cornette, Tara Littlefield, Julian Campbell ; illustrations by Elijah Hicks unless otherwise stated ; photographs by Dan Dourson unless otherwise stated.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Prehistoric history -- Cultural history -- Geology -- Ecoregions -- Habitats of the Red River Basin -- Non-flowering organisms -- Plant life of Red River Basin -- Ferns, club mosses, spike mosses & quillworts -- Grasses, sedges & rushes -- Wildflowers -- Vines, shrubs and trees -- Expected or uncertain plants of RRB.

The Red River Gorge's intricate canyon system features an abundance of high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and natural bridges, making it one of the world's top rock-climbing destinations. The Gorge, known for its unspoiled scenic beauty and numerous hiking trails, is one of Kentucky's most popular natural destinations, attracting over 500,000 visitors a year. While books about hiking, climbing, and other recreational activities in the area are readily available, Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge is the first book specifically devoted to the biodiversity of the Gorge and its watershed. Authors Dan and Judy Dourson introduce the geology and cultural history of the gorge but focus on the incredible diversity of both common and rare flora of this unique ecosystem. With over 1,000 color images and numerous illustrations covering over 1,500 species currently known to exist in the watershed, Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge is designed to be accessible to the casual hiker and of use to the seasoned naturalist. Rare and endangered species are highlighted as well as a few other important, but often ignored, non-flowering plant groups, including green algae, fungi, slime molds, lichens, and mosses. In addition, a small section on flowering woody vines, shrubs, and trees is included, making the book the most comprehensive natural guide to one of Kentucky's most well-known natural recreational areas.

Online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on February 11, 2019).

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