BOOK SERIES: NATURAL HISTORY

  • Forest Primeval: The Natural History of an Ancient Forest 1989. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, CA. 282 pp. (Reprinted in 2001 by Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon.) Published in a Canadian, Czech, and Slovak editions.

    "I have added to my list of heros Chris Maser, a gentle, kind, unpretentious man endowed with a gift—rare, but much needed in our time—the ability to teach. In his books, articles, lectures, and field trips, this man unselfishly gives of himself, articulately and effectively passing knowledge from his mind to yours or mine or anyone willing to learn. A walk through the woods with Chris is a learning experience second to none. Every step is the equivalent of reading a chapter in a book, of mastering a complex concept, cracking a difficult code. … In the preface to his book [Forest Primeval], this great naturalist says, 'So, I offer you my hand. Take it and come back in time with me that I may paint for you with words the beauty and dignity of the land as I have seen it.' … As I said earlier, the heroes on my list, including Chris Maser, are much more than naturalists; some are prophets."—Alex Chappell, Nature's Call.

    For more information, see:  Forest Primeval: The Natural History of an Ancient Forest

  • The Natural History of a Mountain Meadow and Its Cirque. 2015. Luminare Press, Eugene, OR. 425 pp.

    "Amidst the vivid imagery and intimate detail of a place virtually untouched by man lies an elegant allegorical expression of the human condition, not only through the trials of young Storm Hawk, but also the complex system of living beings inhabiting the meadow and its cirque. Glimmering in the eyes of every member of the ecosystem is a spark of humanity that will bring readers closer to the wildlife than a documentarian could ever imagine. The youth's journey to adulthood is portrayed again and again through the lifecycles of the numerous meadow dwellers, varying with each account by the creature's specific background, status, and fortune.

    "Chris Maser's expertly crafted book presents a 'coming-of-age' and 'finding-your-niche' narrative alongside an information-rich guidebook befitting top-tier adventurers, sportsmen, and wildlife enthusiasts. Each page is radiant with his tremendous passion for the outdoors, and I have no doubt that anyone enjoying this marvelous book will be struck with the overwhelming urge to go camping—as I was, and ultimately did—if only to re-experience nature through a newly developed lens. Truly, this work is a gift to the reader." Martin Now, Corvallis, OR.

    For more information, see:  The Natural History of a Mountain Meadow and Its Cirque

  • The Marys River of My Youth: A Natural History of Its Seen And Unseen Life. 2019. Luminare Press, Eugene, OR. 514 pp.

    "I worked as a forest wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service and also in other fields in natural resources (fire, range management, forestry, and engineering) for agencies and conservation organizations over the past 30-plus years. I have learned so much from Chris Maser's works and they have guided my efforts and understanding over the years. His way of connecting and communicating key ecological concepts has been far ahead of the curve. He is a true leader and a great mentor.

    "As an admirer, it is such a joy and special gift to get to experience his youth with him in this book and learn wonderful things about species' natural history that I have never taken the time to get to know in such depth. His stories describe how he connected and maintained an amazing relationship with the natural world as a kid and the precious gifts it gave to bravely walk a very difficult, but vital, path for rest of his life. It is incredible the depth and breadth of what Chris observed and learned. Seeing how he put himself so fully in it and the joy of what he got to see and experience from it was like experiencing it myself every bit of the way. It even made me feel like a kid again getting to know the natural world with him. It is a wonderful example of how the natural world touches us and gives us the substance we need to become great people. 'Now, come with me into yesteryear and rest peacefully for a while along the banks of the river of my youth.' This book is relaxing and fun, like reoccurring walks in nature with a marvelous naturalist friend." Cindy Haws, Assistant Professor of Science, Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, Oregon.

    For more information, see:  The Marys River of My Youth: A Natural History of Its Seen And Unseen Life.

  • The Natural History of a Canyon and Its Surrounding Sagebrush Steppe. 2024. Luminare Press, Eugene, OR. 499 pp.

    "Maser describes beautifully what experiencing the Owyhee country ecosystem is like for the layperson as well as the field scientist. His prose is easy to read, and his knowledgeable explanation of this wild country gives the reader a full course of the Owyhee ecosystem. This is the land where the Yellowstone hot spot first erupted under the North American Plate, and the Columbia River basalts started. This book can be used as a textbook or as a useful reference book for the serious layperson and scientist." Thomas E. Koler, PhD, Geologist\Geomorphologist (licensed geologist in Oregon), Kelsey, CA

    "In times of high stress from humanities nefarious behaviors, I have found Chris's natural history books to be a peaceful place to rest and refresh my spirit while learning about a unique community of wildlife and their ways. This book on southeastern Oregon canyonlands and sagebrush steppe wildlife does just that. This book certainly helps to give the gift of experiencing the intrinsic value of life, all life, responsible for the establishment of the priceless diversity of ecosystems that support our world. What an endowment to transfer to the next generation!" Cindy Haws, Assistant Professor of Science, Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, Oregon.

    For more information, see: The Natural History of a Canyon and Its Surrounding Sagebrush Steppe



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