The author's non-academic style and color photographs make this a pleasantly readable and comprehensive guide. The book includes a brief introduction to trees and shrubs, descriptions of the ecological zones in Washington State and species descriptions.

Chess Lyons' update of his classic guide on Washington and British Columbia for naturalists and nature enthusiasts alike.This guide identifies more than 600 common trees, shrubs and flowers. Line drawings, distribution maps and a wildflower guide are included.AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY:Chester P. Lyons is best known for his field guides on the plants of British Columbia and the rest of the Pacific Northwest but that only touches the surface of his considerable contribution to the natural history of the region. Lyons, who died in Hawaii in 1998 at the age of 83, was an avid naturalist, outdoorsman, nature writer and film maker of natural history subjects. As head of the B.C. Parks Service in its formative years, Chess was involved in exploring and planning the Wells Gray, Tweedsmuir, Manning and Bowron Lake Parks. He also directed the restoration of the famous old gold rush town of Barkerville. After retiring from public service, he toured extensively across North America, presenting films and lectures on the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

C.P. Lyons' profile page