Saving the Wild South: The Fight for Native Plants on the Brink of Extinction

The American South is known for its rich biodiversity, but local development and climate change are threatening many species. Georgann Eubanks' book explores the intricate beauty and biology of the South's plant life and highlights the importance of saving these green gifts for future generations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

The American South is renowned for its astonishingly rich biodiversity, a testament to the region's diverse flora and fauna. In her captivating book, "Saving the Green Gifts of the South," Georgann Eubanks embarks on a remarkable journey from Alabama to North Carolina, exploring the plight of native plants that are endangered and teetering on the brink of extinction.

As she delves into the intricate beauty and biology of the South's plant life, Eubanks simultaneously uncovers the grave threats posed by local development and global climate change. Many species, once considered rare and unique, have now been officially classified as endangered, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Eubanks raises an important question in her book: why should we care about the Yadkin River goldenrod, a plant found exclusively in one place on Earth? Or the Alabama canebrake pitcher plant, a carnivorous marvel being decimated by criminal poaching and a thriving black market? These plants, she argues, hold immense value not only to the natural environment but also to southern identity.

Eubanks finds inspiration in her conversations with the heroes of the conservation movement—botanists, advocates, and conservationists of all ages—who are tirelessly working to save these green treasures for future generations. These passionate plant lovers caution us against taking the delicate ecosystems that contribute to the region's long-standing appeal, beauty, and character for granted.

Through her storytelling, Eubanks paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by these endangered plants and the efforts being made to protect them. She highlights the importance of habitat preservation, sustainable land management practices, and public awareness campaigns in preserving the South's biodiversity.

"Saving the Green Gifts of the South" is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who strive to protect the natural world. It serves as a call to action for all of us to recognize the value of our environment and to take steps to preserve it for generations to come. By working together, we can ensure that the American South remains a haven for the rich diversity of life that calls it home.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469664903