Reuben Hoar Library (Littleton)

Towns, ecology, and the land, Richard T.T. Forman

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 514-567) and index

mapsplatesillustrations

index present

non fiction

Towns, ecology, and the land

bibliography

1055454380

Richard T.T. Forman

"Towns and villages are sometimes viewed as minor, even quaint, spots, whereas this book boldly reconceptualizes these places as important dynamic environmental 'hotspots'. Multitudes of towns and villages with nearly half the world's population characterize perhaps half the global land surface. The book's pages feature ecological patterns, processes, and change, as well as human dimensions, both within towns and in strong connections and effects on surrounding agricultural land, forest land, and arid land. Towns, small to large, and villages are examined with spatial and cultural lenses. Ecological dimensions - water, soil and air systems, together with habitats, plants, wildlife and biodiversity - are highlighted. A concluding section presents concepts for making better towns and better land. From a pioneer in both landscape ecology and urban ecology, this highly international town ecology book opens an important frontier for researchers, students, professors, and professionals including environmental, town, and conservation planners"--, Provided by publisher

Town, village, and land spatial patterns -- Flows and movements -- Change -- Human dimensions -- Soil, chemicals, air -- Water systems and waterbodies -- Plants, habitats, greenspaces -- Patterns of wildlife and other animals -- Commercial, industrial, and residential areas -- Cropland, pastureland, and towns -- Forestland, aridland, and towns -- Tying transportation, towns, and land together -- Toward better towns, better land