From the Hudson to the Taconics: An Ecological and Cultural Field Guide to the Habitats of Columbia County. By Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program and Hudsonia Ltd, to be published 2024. This generously illustrated book describes many of the ecological communities in the county, past and present uses of the land, and aspects of people’s interactions with the natural world. Click here to learn more and access the discounted pre-order form!
Urban Biodiversity: The Natural History of the New Jersey Meadowlands. By Erik Kiviat and Kristi-MacDonald-Beyers, 2022. This case study is a rich resource for anyone interested in the natural histories of urban areas, and especially for those with a hand in management of the rich biodiversity we often find in altered landscapes. Careful assessments of habitats detail how we can better protect native organisms, both rare and common, who live in novel habitats, and keep those habitats viable amid developmental pressure and climate change, without unnecessarily large expenditures of funds and time. Read more about our Urban Studies here.
Phragmites Management Sourcebook for the Tidal Hudson River and the Northeastern States. By Erik Kiviat, 2010. A review and synthesis of information pertinent to the ecology and management of Phragmites on the Hudson River estuary and in nearby areas. This publication is unique in focusing on the Hudson River, considering a wide taxonomic and functional range of Phragmites impacts, and including extensive published and unpublished data and observations. The report describes Phragmites ecology, addresses management issues on the Hudson, outlines management techniques and their nontarget impacts, and suggests how research needs can be defined. 74 p.
Voices of the Land: Edited by Jamie Crelly Purinton, with photographs by Charles Lindsay, a foreword by Michael Pollan, and an article by Erik Kiviat 2004, Chelsea Green Publishing.
A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Plants of the Northeast. By Gretchen Stevens and Mary-Alice White. 2003. Millbrook Garden Club, Millbrook, NY. An inviting introduction to field botany, this guide describes 78 common species of plants found in upland forests, upland meadows, and wetlands of the northeastern U.S. Plant descriptions are tailored to the non-botanist, focusing on easily observable characteristics, and avoiding technical terms as much as possible. Each description is accompanied by notes on folklore, medicinal and culinary uses, etymologies of plant names, and a pen-and-ink drawing. 267 p. Available from local libraries.
Hackensack Meadowlands, New Jersey, Biodiversity: Review and Synthesis is a digest of the biology of a large urban wetlands complex. Authors Erik Kiviat and Kristi MacDonald-Beyers have since published volume one of this case study with Lexington Books.
Biodiversity Assessment Manual for the Hudson River Estuary Corridor. By Erik Kiviat and Gretchen Stevens, 2001, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This richly-illustrated loose-leaf volume will help local agencies, citizens, developers, and others with an interest in biological diversity to identify and protect ecologically significant habitats. The Manual guides users through the many available maps and data sets, helping amateur and professional naturalists to predict critical habitats using maps and then conduct (or hire out) the field research to confirm their predictions. 508 p.
Biodiversity Assessment Handbook for New York City. By Erik Kiviat and Elizabeth A Johnson, 2013. This lavishly illustrated handbook, published by the American Museum of Natural History, is available online for free. It documents the many species that grace greater New York City, including the New York State endangered peregrine falcons that nest on the city’s bridges, the endangered little bluet damselfly of Queens, and the federally endangered seabeach amaranth of the city’s beaches.
Changing Tides: Tivoli Bays. By Esther Kiviat, 1999. Purple Mountain Press, Fleischmanns, NY. This magnificent book-length photo essay captures the beauty and the complexity of a Hudson River wetland month-by-month throughout the year. With a forward by Hudsonia’s Science Director Erik Kiviat. This book blends natural history with literary journalism and includes detailed information for the visitor.
The Northern Shawangunks: An Ecological Survey. By Erik Kiviat, 1988. Mohonk Preserve, Inc. New Paltz, NY. This wonderful book, full of photographs and illustrations, offers a comprehensive look at a magnificent ridge area in Ulster County, New York, characterized by extensive quartz conglomerate cliffs, “sky lakes”, ice caves, and unique pitch pine barrens. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the area’s land, animals, plants, geology or history, be they nature lovers, scientists, or concerned citizens. 107 p.
Wild Flora of the Northeast. By Anita and Spider Barbour, 1991. The Overlook Press, Woodstock, NY. The stunning photographs and delicate drawings along with inspiring, close-up descriptions bring to life the spectacular array of colors and intricate design underfoot in the flowers, mushrooms, mosses and grasses of the forests, fields, and swamps of the Northeast. 200 p.