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Knowing the Trees: Discover the Forest from Seed to Snag

In Knowing the Trees, naturalist and outdoor educator Ken Keffer explores our forests with both precision and charm. He offers essential context for understanding scientific knowledge and discovereis about trees and forest ecology, infromed by rich anecdotes and specific examples from across the US.

Modeled after the life cycle of a tree, this beautifully illustrated guide showcases a wide range of topics, including unique reproductive strategies, the wonders of seed dispersal, vast underground networks of roots, the importance of photosynthesis, treetop canopies, how snags and nurse logs contribue to the future of a forest, connections among other species throughout the habitat, benefits of forest bathing, and so much more. Keffer also makes the convincing case that our health depends on the health of trees and being able to see the forest and the trees. 

Knowing the Trees Reviews
“Great new book by naturalist Ken Keffer, covering nearly anything you could want to know about trees in an enjoyable format.” Matt Miller, The Nature Conservancy’s Cool Green Science

Earth Almanac: Nature’s Calendar for Year-Round Discovery

Earth Almanac presents a greatest hits of North American Nature! Structured around phenology, which is the study of the seasonal patters in nature, the day-by-day descriptions offer insight into activies and connections throughout the natural world.

Beginning with the Winter Solstice in December, Earth Almanac highlights a wide range of natural history, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, intertidal and marine life, trees, plants, fungi, weather phenomenon, geology, astronomy, notable environmental contributors, and more, reveals the ebb and flow of nature across North America. Each season features more than 90 entries, and sidebars throughout provide calls to environmental action, citizen science opportunities, and details on special dates or holidays. The book can be enjoyed on day, month, or season at a time – dipping in and out as you observe the world around you.

Reviews

Book Author

I’ve taken on numerous book projects that highlight my versatility as an author. I’ve worked on children and young adult nonfiction, journal/activity books, adult nonfiction, and I even wrote a trail guide. I’m always pitching my next big ideas, so who knows what is in store next.

See below for my complete list of books.

Freelance Writer

I write for local, regional, and national outlets. Current and former clients include Birds & Blooms, Birds & Blooms Extra, Outdoors Unlimited, Wyoming Wildlife, Backcountry Journal, and Parks & Recreation. I’ve also written for online outlets including for National Wildlife Federation, National Parks Trust, Kentucky Tourism, Osprey Backpacks, CLIF Kids, and more.

Speaker

As the Wisconsin Environmental Association for Environmental Education’s Nonformal Educator of the Year, I’m a proven and dynamic speaker. From library programs and scout meetings to classroom visits and full school-wide assemblies, I can deliver catered content to audiences young and old. I also have a variety of presentations suitable for adult audiences.

Available presentations below.

Where to Find Me

Now scheduling Knowing the Trees book signings, author talks, and school visits!

Past Highlights Listed Below.

September 23 2-4 PM
Wild Birds Unliminted, Bloomington, Indiana