Marsh Mud and Mummichogs

An Intimate Natural History of Coastal Georgia

by Evelyn B. Sherr

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Pub Date May 15 2015 | Archive Date May 14 2015

Description

“This book,” writes marine biologist Evelyn B. Sherr, “is meant to give others an understanding of the fascinating life of the region, from the smallest creatures in marsh mud and estuarine water, to the mummichogs and multitudes of other animals that find food and shelter in the vast expanses of marsh grass, in the sounds, and along the beaches of the Georgia Isles.” Sherr not only spent years doing research in coastal Georgia, she began her family there. Although Sherr’s career would take her around the world, this special place stuck with her. Here she shares her deep knowledge of the remarkable environment that she, her scientist husband, and their two children explored time and again.

Dr. Sherr is the ideal companion with whom to discover coastal Georgia. She points out its swimming, running, flying, drifting, and wriggling wildlife—and tells how it all exists in balance in a landscape subject to its own daily ebbs and flows, its own seasonal cycles. As we learn about Georgia’s distinctive intertidal salt marshes, subtidal estuaries, and open beaches and dunes, Sherr reveals the creatures that support—and are supported by—these habitats: the microbes in estuarine water and in marsh mud; the zooplankton swarming in the tidal rivers and sounds; and numerous fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

This engaging and curiosity-rousing book blends scientific fact with a timely conservation message and anecdotes of a family’s encounters with nature.

Advance Praise

“Marsh Mud and Mummichogs is a motivating introduction to the natural history of coastal Georgia. It is perhaps the most in-depth yet friendly natural history that I have ever read, and the scope will expand the knowledge and understanding of everyone with an interest in the coast.”
—Clay L. Montague, Associate Professor Emeritus of Ecology, University of Florida

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780820347677
PRICE	$26.95 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 6 members

Featured Reviews

Chiara W, Reviewer

I was immediately drawn to this book because I have lived in Georgia for 20 years and, while I have experienced most of its coastal areas in plenty (islands included), I was interested to read about the science behind its beauty and life. Evelynn B. Sheer did not disappoint. As I read, I found myself thinking about my many visits and comparing my memories to Sherr's descriptions and explanations. While not the most thrilling read, this book serves as a wonderful reference to those wanting to delve a little deeper into Georgia.

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Gail M, Reviewer

If I wanted to vacation along the Georgia coast, I might take this book with me. It is a rigorous description of the flora and fauna (land and water) in this area, including which things are poisonous and where they might be found. Very thorough - dense even, like a textbook, from bacteria to alligators to egrets, but with the occasional lyrical observation or recollection. The author is a scientist who studied the area some years ago, and she has noted not only the ecology, but also how that ecology changes as the climate does. She provides an elaborate reference list and two useful appendices, one on "Where to Go to Enjoy Georgia Coastal Wildlife" (hiking/ birding/ beaches/ nature organizations, etc) and one on "Methods for Collecting and Inspecting Coastal Biota."

The only thing that might put off the casual reader is the large amount of biology jargon, particularly when the author lapses into scientific journalese and its relentless passive voice. More pictures would have been helpful as well. Still, it's a text that inspires thought about the myriad lifecycles, shapes, and interlocked lives of living creatures.

I liked it.

I received a free copy of this book in return for a review.

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Rosemary S, Librarian

Sherr explores the life along the coastline and islands of Georgia is this extraordinary book in the Wormsloe Foundation Nature series. From the pluff mud and the tiny crustaceans and other organisms that call this place home to the impact of humans on this wild and beautiful place, Sherr has written a book that will delight all readers who love the natural world.