• Cottonwood and the River of Time

  • On Trees, Evolution, and Society
  • By: Reinhard F. Stettler
  • Narrated by: Douglas R Pratt
  • Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (2 ratings)

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Cottonwood and the River of Time  By  cover art

Cottonwood and the River of Time

By: Reinhard F. Stettler
Narrated by: Douglas R Pratt
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Publisher's summary

Cottonwood and the River of Time looks at some of the approaches scientists have used to unravel the puzzles of the natural world. With a lifetime of work in forestry and genetics to guide him, Reinhard Stettler celebrates both what has been learned and what still remains a mystery as he examines not only cottonwoods but also trees more generally, their evolution, and their relationship to society.

Cottonwoods flourish on the verge, near streams and rivers. Their life cycle is closely attuned to the river's natural dynamics. An ever-changing floodplain keeps generating new opportunities for these pioneers to settle and prepare the ground for new species. Perpetual change is the story of cottonwoods but in a broader sense, the story of all trees and all kinds of life. Through the long parade of generation after generation, as rivers meander and glaciers advance and retreat, trees have adapted and persisted, some for thousands of years. How do they do this? And more urgently, what lessons can we learn from the study of trees to preserve and manage our forests for an uncertain future?

Reinhard Stettler celebrates both what has been learned and what still remains a mystery as he examines not only cottonwoods but also trees more generally, their evolution, and their relationship to society.

The book is published by University of Washington Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2009 University of Washington Press (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Reading this unique book is akin to sitting down with a world-renowned scientist and hearing a story filled with scientific facts about the natural history, ecology, and genetics of cottonwoods." (Choice)

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The best tree book I've "read" in 2022!

This isn't exactly an easy Sunday afternoon tree book. Because Stettler talks about evolution, you get a huge dose of genetics. Cottonwoods and genetics are his specialities. The last part discusses trees and people so it's the most important section.
If you like trees, if you wonder about tree evolution and you care about society, you will love this book. Stettler is a Ph.D. who knows his stuff, especially cottonwoods.

No problems with the narration. I will listen to this book again.

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