In this Book
- Nature's Champion: B. W. Wells, Tar Heel Ecologist
- Book
- 2014
- Published by: The University of North Carolina Press
summary
Through the pioneering efforts of ecologist B. W. Wells (1884-1978), thousands of North Carolinians learned to appreciate and protect the state's diverse plant life long before ecology and conservation became popular causes.
A keen observer of the natural landscape, Wells provided the first scientific descriptions in modern terms of the forces that shaped coastal communities, bogs and savannahs, the Carolina bays, pine forests, old fields, and mountain grassy balds. But the broader impact of his life lay in his championship and popularization of nature. Outside academic circles, he shared his knowledge through public lectures, articles, and lobbying efforts, and by teaching anyone who would listen. In 1932 he produced for his Tar Heel audience a revolutionary work on the plant ecology of the state, The Natural Gardens of North Carolina. Organized by habitat, this volume is still entertaining and instructive.
Wells received his Ph.D. in botany from the University of Chicago in 1917 and served as chair of the North Carolina State College botany department for thirty years. He was a memorable teacher and a significant force in the development of his academic institution.
A keen observer of the natural landscape, Wells provided the first scientific descriptions in modern terms of the forces that shaped coastal communities, bogs and savannahs, the Carolina bays, pine forests, old fields, and mountain grassy balds. But the broader impact of his life lay in his championship and popularization of nature. Outside academic circles, he shared his knowledge through public lectures, articles, and lobbying efforts, and by teaching anyone who would listen. In 1932 he produced for his Tar Heel audience a revolutionary work on the plant ecology of the state, The Natural Gardens of North Carolina. Organized by habitat, this volume is still entertaining and instructive.
Wells received his Ph.D. in botany from the University of Chicago in 1917 and served as chair of the North Carolina State College botany department for thirty years. He was a memorable teacher and a significant force in the development of his academic institution.
Table of Contents
Download Full Book
- Acknowledgments
- pp. xi-xii
- Part 1. Scientist
- 1. Ecological Awakening
- pp. 5-14
- 2. Pioneer Ecologist
- pp. 15-38
- 3. Complete Botanist
- pp. 39-54
- Part 2. Champion of Nature
- 4. Conservationist
- pp. 57-66
- 5. Voice for Nature
- pp. 67-76
- 6. Popular Pen
- pp. 77-88
- 7. Natural Gardens
- pp. 89-102
- 8. Natural Gardens Revisited
- pp. 103-116
- Part 3. Academician
- 9. Professor and Head
- pp. 119-132
- 10. Teacher
- pp. 133-144
- 11. Defender of Truth
- pp. 145-158
- Part 4. Private Person
- 12. Early Years, 1884–1919
- pp. 161-170
- 13. Raleigh Years, 1919–1954
- pp. 171-186
- 14. Retirement Years, 1954–1978
- pp. 187-196
- Bibliography
- pp. 215-232
Additional Information
ISBN
9781469616438
Related ISBN(s)
9780807820810, 9780807858707, 9781469611211
MARC Record
OCLC
864900077
Pages
268
Launched on MUSE
2015-01-01
Language
English
Open Access
No