Anyone who gardens knows how snails, aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars can damage vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees. But not many of us know that ground beetles eat caterpillars, not plants; that dragonflies feed on mosquitoes; that parasitic wasps prey on tomato hornworms. In this delightful guide to the world of beneficial insects, Starcher, an artist and avid gardener, shows us how to identify the "good guys" and encourage them to reside...

Aphids, ants, grubs, and earwigs are not only creepy-crawlies but they can wreak havoc on your garden and new plants. But fear not! You don't need dangerous chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides to enjoy a lively, healthy garden. The secret? More lady beetles, fewer aphids! Wildlife in your garden--especially insects--can be natural pesticide alternatives, they can pollinate plants, they can contribute important nutrients to the soil, and sometimes...

"First published in 1962, this book alerted a large audience to the environmental and human dangers of indiscriminate use of pesticides. The outcry that followed its publication forced the banning of DDT and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. 'Silent Spring became a runaway bestseller, with international reverberations ... [It is] well crafted, fearless and succinct ... Even if she had not inspired a generation...

Invasive species are taking over native plants habitats. Common control methods are dangerous or impractical. Some people are now turning to goats as a nontoxic and versatile way to deal with invasive species. Controlling Invasive Species with Goats look at the history of using goats to graze plants, why they work, and the research thats being done to learn more.

For man, beast and nature, it's been a constant battlefield of change. Some strategic advances were anatomical while others were behavioral. While the bald eagle developed telescopic vision capable of spotting a hare a mile away, the shark evolved the act of sex as we humans know it. Discover what has propelled creatures large and small to survive. Trace the history and importance of these adaptations from their earliest beginnings to today.