Salt Marsh Diary: A Year on the Connecticut Coast

Salt Marsh Diary: A Year on the Connecticut Coast, by Mark Seth Lender
 
Mark Seth Lender's observations in Salt Marsh Diary: A Year on the Connecticut Coast could be considered poetic. His descriptions of the varied flora and fauna in his local salt marsh are also metaphoric; there is underlying subtext that ties nature to man. Lender points out that many birds are decreasing in number as man destroys the habitats in which they live. He describes the adverse effect man is having on the environment:

"The once-rich wintering and breeding grounds have largely been filled in or poisoned by a toxic brew."

Yet, the book is filled with beautiful descriptions and insightful analysis. It points out the inter-dependence of plants, animals and human beings. Much like Thoreau and Beston, Lender brings us closer to nature and reminds us that we need to take action to save this ecosystem. The salt marsh not only serves as an important breeding ground for a variety of birds and animals, but also serves to control flooding. What better way than to describe the (almost) invisible world of the salt marsh? This book is a must read for everyone.
-Carl