A richly illustrated resource on the natural history of freshwater streams, small rivers, and their associated habitats

This authoritative guide to streams and smaller rivers is packed with original photos, drawings, and graphics. It contains inventories of many of the most common plants and animals thriving in and along these overlooked waterways—the Blue Dasher Dragonfly, the Red-Shouldered Hawk, the Greenside Darter, and the Cardinal Flower, just for starters.

Lynch explains the geology and evolution of streams, including coastline tidal streams and the unusual southeastern “blackwater” rivers and karst streams of Florida. He outlines why understanding streams, rivers, and riverine systems is crucial to science and conservation, particularly as climate change continues to shape our environment.

This concise, indispensable guide is a perfect companion for hikers, anglers, birders, and boaters, as well as students and educators.