To say California has an abundant marine life is an understatement. More than 1,100 miles of shoreline provides ample opportunity to spot whales and other water creatures. This book provides information on popular public locations and quiet locales, too.

Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors is much more than a hiking guide. Written by the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers, it is the new bible for really getting to know and appreciate the countys biodiversity while exploring firsthand. The guide has 250 hikes, each with its own map and photograph, hike description with mileage, elevation gain/loss, difficulty rating, directions to the trailhead with GPS, trail use, special features, and type of habitat(s) found on each hike. Each hike has a focus on a species or natural/cultural history feature associated with that hike.

The oceans, and the challenges they face, are so vast that it’s easy to feel powerless to protect them. 50 Ways to Save the Ocean, written by veteran environmental journalist David Helvarg, focuses on practical, easily-implemented actions everyone can take to protect and conserve this vital resource. Well-researched, personal, and sometimes whimsical, the book addresses daily choices that affect the ocean's health: what fish should and should not be eaten; how and where to vacation; storm drains and driveway run-off; protecting local water tables; proper diving, surfing, and tide pool etiquette; and supporting local marine education. Helvarg also looks at what can be done to stir the waters of seemingly daunting issues such as toxic pollutant runoff; protecting wetlands and sanctuaries; keeping oil rigs off shore; saving reef environments; and replenishing fish reserves.

Examines the tide pool ecosystem, including its diverse inhabitants and the manner in which the creatures struggle to live, breed, and survive.

"This richly illustrated book is more than a field guide, giving the reader insight into the fascinating biology of these animals and the conservation issues they face. Any resident or visitor to the West Coast will love this book and reach for it not only when standing on a bluff looking out to sea, but also when curled in an armchair at home." ---FRANCES GULLAND, The Marine Mammal Center --Book Jacket.

A lyrical tour of the ecology of tide pools.