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Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry
Have you ever been so filled up with the wonder of a place that it wants to spill out as a song? Well, here is the songbook. I imagine walking through a forest and pausing to read these illuminating pages aloud to a listening cedar or a dipper. There are field guides that help us to see, and to name, and to know; Cascadia Field Guide does all of that and more. This is a guide to relationship, a gift in reciprocity for the gifts of the land. � Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass
Cascadia stretches from Southeast Alaska to Northern California and from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide. Cascadia Field Art, Ecology, Poetry blends art and science to celebrate this diverse yet interconnected region through natural and cultural histories, poetry, and illustrations. Organized into 13 bioregions, the guide includes entries for everything from cryptobiotic soil and the western thatching ant to the giant Pacific octopus and Sitka spruce, as well as the likes of common raven, hoary marmot, Idaho giant salamander, snowberry, and 120 more!
Both well-established and new writers are included, representing a diverse spectrum of voices, with poems that range from comic to serious, colloquial to scientific, urban to off-the-grid, narrative to postmodern. Likewise, the artists span styles and mediums, using classic natural history drawing, form line design, graffiti, sketch, and more. All writers and artists have deep ties to the region.
This project was supported, in part, by a grant from 4Culture
Cascadia stretches from Southeast Alaska to Northern California and from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide. Cascadia Field Art, Ecology, Poetry blends art and science to celebrate this diverse yet interconnected region through natural and cultural histories, poetry, and illustrations. Organized into 13 bioregions, the guide includes entries for everything from cryptobiotic soil and the western thatching ant to the giant Pacific octopus and Sitka spruce, as well as the likes of common raven, hoary marmot, Idaho giant salamander, snowberry, and 120 more!
Both well-established and new writers are included, representing a diverse spectrum of voices, with poems that range from comic to serious, colloquial to scientific, urban to off-the-grid, narrative to postmodern. Likewise, the artists span styles and mediums, using classic natural history drawing, form line design, graffiti, sketch, and more. All writers and artists have deep ties to the region.
This project was supported, in part, by a grant from 4Culture
400 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2023
107 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bradfield
13Ìýbooks64ÌýfollowersElizabeth Bradfield is the author of Toward Antarctica (Boreal Books/Red Hen, 2019) Once Removed (Persea, 2015), Approaching Ice (Persea, 2008), and Interpretive Work (Arktoi Books/Red Hen Press, 2008). She is also co-editor of two anthologies: Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry (Mountaineers Books, 2023) and Broadsided Press: Fifteen Years of Poetic/Artistic Collaboration, 2005 - 2020 (Provincetown Arts Press, 2022).
Liz is editor of Broadsided (), a modern incarnation of the traditional broadside. Her poetry been published in such journals as The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, Poetry, The Sun, and elsewhere.
Bradfield grew up in Tacoma, Washington, has received a Stegner Fellowship, a Bread Loaf Scholarship, the Audre Lorde Prize. She lives on Cape Cod, works as a naturalist, and teaches at Brandeis University.
Liz is editor of Broadsided (), a modern incarnation of the traditional broadside. Her poetry been published in such journals as The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, Poetry, The Sun, and elsewhere.
Bradfield grew up in Tacoma, Washington, has received a Stegner Fellowship, a Bread Loaf Scholarship, the Audre Lorde Prize. She lives on Cape Cod, works as a naturalist, and teaches at Brandeis University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 8, 2023
I spent several weeks of mornings working through this book. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the plants, animals, and other beings of Cascadia but found traditional field guides too dry or too overwhelming, this is a lovely blend of story, ethnobotany, and art. I’m looking forward to returning to it again and again.
May 6, 2023
This is a book to be treasured and enjoyed over and over. I loved every page and every entry and found it to be such a gift.
April 25, 2023
Beautifully written and illustrated
June 11, 2023
I highly anticipated this book since I first saw an article about proclaiming the concept a few years ago. Having read the Sonoran Literary Field Guide I couldn't wait to read one about the land I grew up.
Even with it's high level of inclusion of indigenous peoples in the text it fell short of my own expectations, somehow failing to transmit the significance of each being as a being in its own right and the gifts that they give to us as members of the land we all share. A relationship that is relevant to the shared histories of everyone on this land, histories that when remembered can help us maintain and improve our personal relationships to where we occupy.
Even with it's high level of inclusion of indigenous peoples in the text it fell short of my own expectations, somehow failing to transmit the significance of each being as a being in its own right and the gifts that they give to us as members of the land we all share. A relationship that is relevant to the shared histories of everyone on this land, histories that when remembered can help us maintain and improve our personal relationships to where we occupy.
November 28, 2023
I Read this for a environmental writing class. There are some absolutely wonderful poems in here! I hope to someday go on hikes Oregon, Seattle and or Valdez and take this field guide with me. That be a heck of an experience far worthier than five stars 😂.
8/10
8/10
June 11, 2024
I loved this book and read it not like a field guide but like an anthology, indoors and outdoors. 31 poets I had never read before and took their names for future research and reading. My only problem with this book is the visual art. Some sections have very clear images of the beings, but some don't. So for identification purposes, another field guide or resource would be required.
December 4, 2023
I almost never get that feeling where I don't want a book to end but I did with this which I didn't expect. Absolutely wonderful!
December 15, 2023
Cascadia Field Guide is a celebration of the ecosystems I’ve lived and worked in my whole life. It beautifully illuminates the relationships between the beings that call Cascadia home, from the tidewater glaciers of Alaska, to our iconic mountains, to the urban shoreline.
By combining visual art, poetry, and ecological description, Cascadia Field Guide captures the complexity of relationships in this region’s many habitat types. Not just how these beings interact with humans and each other physically, but how they affect us emotionally and spiritually.
There are many poets and artists featured in this book, and as I read their work, I could feel that all of them share the same love and respect for this place that I do. This is demonstrated in the introduction alone, as the editors explain why they will be using the term “being� instead of “species,� and referring to plants and animals as not it but they. Instead of objectifying these beings, this book portrays their richness of life.
I also really appreciate the breadth of perspectives brought by the featured poets. The editors found people with many different identities and life experiences, but who all share the wonder and curiosity of being in relationship with nature. For me, this book is home.
By combining visual art, poetry, and ecological description, Cascadia Field Guide captures the complexity of relationships in this region’s many habitat types. Not just how these beings interact with humans and each other physically, but how they affect us emotionally and spiritually.
There are many poets and artists featured in this book, and as I read their work, I could feel that all of them share the same love and respect for this place that I do. This is demonstrated in the introduction alone, as the editors explain why they will be using the term “being� instead of “species,� and referring to plants and animals as not it but they. Instead of objectifying these beings, this book portrays their richness of life.
I also really appreciate the breadth of perspectives brought by the featured poets. The editors found people with many different identities and life experiences, but who all share the wonder and curiosity of being in relationship with nature. For me, this book is home.
April 14, 2025
finished this a while ago, but it comes on every camping trip I take. I love reading the poems out loud
January 23, 2025
I'd love to give a copy of this book to everyone who moves to the region. I only wish that sometimes the info was more detailed and the poetry less literal.
August 12, 2023
I love the concept of this book. I wish it were available in hardcover with colour illustrations to more deeply appreciate the art within. I found the written descriptions of each species to be not quite long enough. For some species I learned new thing but others I was wishing there were more details to enhance what I already knew from other sources.
March 20, 2023
Immeasurably unique presentations of writing on landscapes, critters, personal reflections of all of nature by the most wonderful of writers and illustrators. The best of true science and creativity bonded to loving kinship. To be read aloud to family and friends or wherever you find yourself. A treasure of impressions of our precious world and hearts.
May 25, 2023
I've spent my life as a global nomad, but my home base has always been the Pacific Northweest of the United States, part of the bioregion of Cascadia. I enjoy the beautiful and varied landscapes of Cascadia, and I enjoy learning all I can about it: the beings that live there, the way the flora, fauna, and geography are all interrelated, and the overall health of the region as we experience the increasingly catastrophic impact of climate change. The Cascadia Field Guide was my happy surprise this year. I wanted a guide that provided more than basic descriptions and facts. I wanted a guide that gave me a more complete way of knowing my region and relating to it and the beings that live here. This field guide exceeded every expectation. It is not comprehensive; rather, it is a sampling of what is available in each of thirteen regions of Cascadia (for example, Temperate Rainforest, Outer Shore, Shrub-Steppe, and Muskeg). Each region has an overall introduction, then a more specific introduction to ten beings that live there. Each being is described through prose, art by a local artist, and a poem. This format allows the reader to enjoy a fuller experience of each being. In my case, reading about Ponderosa Pine, Pacific Madrona, and Sitka Spruce took me back to walks with my father, who taught me how to love and appreciate the wonder of these and other trees. Reading about the Ochre Star brought me back to tidepool trips with my mother, who never tired of observing interactions of so much life that was typically overlooked by people who didn't stop to notice. Reading of the knowledge and observations of people indigenous to the region highlighted the interconnectedness of these beings and provided further ways of knowing. My health no longer allows me to take the long hikes through the region that I used to enjoy, but this book brings the wildnerness back to me, and I so appreciate that. I now keep the Cascadia Field Guide in my car, where I can access it on my long drives through the Pacific Northwest- I can read an entire regional section, or skip around to the beings that catch my fancy at any given moment. Doing this has given me a greater appreciation for Cascadia, my home. (Except for the mosquito--- I have to say, in spite of the valiant argument about the usefulness of the mosquito, I am unmoved). I urge people who have a connection to Cascadia, or just enjoy learning about the natural world, to read this book.
September 5, 2023
I read 'Cascadia Field Guide' for a graduate studies poetry course and was amazed by its warmth, approachability, and artistry. Whether you are a naturalist, a visual artist, a poet, or a layperson, you could find something really special and resonant for you. Being a poet, this book meant a lot to me because of its wide range of representation from dead to living poets. There are all kinds of poetic forms in this collection, including traditional to experimental and free verse.
While a reader could jump around and read the prose descriptions or just read the poetry, I recommend reading this book chronologically, taking in the descriptions and art and having them impact your understanding of the poems. There were several species I never heard of and even ones that I didn't know about that made my understanding of the poems much better. 'Cascadia' is a well-rounded experience that deserves close reading.
Its naturalist descriptions have much humanity, very approachable in comparison to other more scientific field guides. There are special Indigenous stories and histories woven into these descriptions that make for a cultured and rich read.
You will look at our Earth and yourself differently after reading this book.
While a reader could jump around and read the prose descriptions or just read the poetry, I recommend reading this book chronologically, taking in the descriptions and art and having them impact your understanding of the poems. There were several species I never heard of and even ones that I didn't know about that made my understanding of the poems much better. 'Cascadia' is a well-rounded experience that deserves close reading.
Its naturalist descriptions have much humanity, very approachable in comparison to other more scientific field guides. There are special Indigenous stories and histories woven into these descriptions that make for a cultured and rich read.
You will look at our Earth and yourself differently after reading this book.
January 1, 2025
Cascadia Field Guide: Art / Ecology / Poetry
A new (2023) and unique guide for the Northwest traveler who is curious about how to identify and appreciate the flora and fauna from Montana to the Pacific Coast, from Western Canada (southern Alaska) to Northern California. A must-take-along book that won’t be read from cover to cover on one outing, but will be relished in tiny bits on a road trip, or a myriad of outdoor activities in this far-ranging and beautiful section of the country.
Each lifeform is discussed in a short, informational essay, a poem, and a sketch of the specific subject, all submitted by a variety of contributors. The western, naturalist editors of this anthology did a superb job in selecting and compiling the territory’s riches.
The following large bioregional sections of Cascadia (consisting of a myriad of micro-climates and their adaptive lifeforms from massive to minute) include:
Tidewater Glacier
Muskeg
Salish Sea
Coastal Urban Wood
Temperate Rainforest
Urban Shore
Pine Forest
Eastern rivers
Shrub-Steppe
Montane
Loowit-Mount St. Hellens
Willamette Valley
Outer Coast
Truly, “don’t leave home without it,� to see the wonder of this part of the world in all its diversity, adaptability, and beauty.
A new (2023) and unique guide for the Northwest traveler who is curious about how to identify and appreciate the flora and fauna from Montana to the Pacific Coast, from Western Canada (southern Alaska) to Northern California. A must-take-along book that won’t be read from cover to cover on one outing, but will be relished in tiny bits on a road trip, or a myriad of outdoor activities in this far-ranging and beautiful section of the country.
Each lifeform is discussed in a short, informational essay, a poem, and a sketch of the specific subject, all submitted by a variety of contributors. The western, naturalist editors of this anthology did a superb job in selecting and compiling the territory’s riches.
The following large bioregional sections of Cascadia (consisting of a myriad of micro-climates and their adaptive lifeforms from massive to minute) include:
Tidewater Glacier
Muskeg
Salish Sea
Coastal Urban Wood
Temperate Rainforest
Urban Shore
Pine Forest
Eastern rivers
Shrub-Steppe
Montane
Loowit-Mount St. Hellens
Willamette Valley
Outer Coast
Truly, “don’t leave home without it,� to see the wonder of this part of the world in all its diversity, adaptability, and beauty.
January 8, 2024
This is one of those books where I really love the concept, but found myself disappointed by the finished product. It's a pretty cool idea to turn a dry field guide into a work of art honoring the full life and aliveness of the being being described and how it intertwines with the system of its environment through enriching the description with artistic drawings and poetry. The art was OK, some of it wonderful. The poetry was OK, some of it wonderful, but the thing that spoiled it for me was the superlative, kind of goofy new age voice of the excessively politically-correct descriptions commanding readers to do this that, that or the other. Sadly, in attempting to come off respectful, it manages to achieve the opposite. These creatures are not Teddy Bears, e.g. "even the most bird-adverse viewer can't help but gawk at Blue Heron." Really? I mean, how many bird-adverse viewers do you know? A valiant effort, but with the tone of a high school newspaper.
January 11, 2024
This is a field guide like no other. Cascadia focuses on all the bioregions of the Pacific Northwest-- northern California to British Columbia, the Pacific Ocean to Idaho. Each bioregion features ten or so species, called "beings," including plants, animals, and fungus. Each being is described by a naturalist, telling why it's special and important to the ecology of that bioregion. And each being is immortalized with a poem and a drawing. The artwork for each bioregion is stunning and varied, and the poetry comes from Pacific Northwest poets, some Native American, some famous, some not. I read this book in my natural history book club, and almost all of us really loved it; we shared our favorite parts. One person, a scientist, did not think it was scientific enough. She was told that scientists reviewed every page for accuracy. I'm delighted that the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association gave it their 2024 Book Award.
September 5, 2023
Cascadia Field Guide is a divine field guide that weaves natural history, poetry, and art to introduce us to the beings living in the Cascadia bioregion. Editors CMarie Fuhrman, Derek Sheffield, and Elizabeth Bradfield brought together a diverse group of writers and artists to create this book, which illustrates the interconnectedness of 120+ beings across various ecosystems, their inherent value as sacred, sentient lives, and just how amazingly cool plants and animals are. It reminds us of our deep kinship with nature and how human animals can live harmoniously with nonhuman animals. It’s a gorgeous book that is truly delightful to read, hold, and absorb. I can't say enough how gorgeous the ecopoetry and illustrations are, or how truly educational the blurbs of scientific knowledge are. Definitely recommend for anyone living near or far from Cascadia.
April 23, 2025
I had the opportunity to view a gallery exhibition of this book, with full-size prints of some of the art work, and it was a truly beautiful experience. The attention to detail was incredible, and some of the images have lingered with me, even months later. Some of the poems from the book were featured alongside the art at the exhibition, and I have since had the opportunity to read more of the poetry. Overall, this book presents a unique cumulation of art, poetry, and factual information about the pacific northwest, and provides not only a detailed description of what someone might see and encounter in nature if they visit this area, but also gives the feeling of our beautiful wilderness to those who may not yet have experienced it for themselves.
June 5, 2023
Cascadia Field Guide is a beautiful collections of prose and poems dedicated to bringing the wonder and beauty the Pacific Northwest holds to those who want to appreciate their non-human neighbors. It finds a perfect balance between science and art of many mediums. I was introduced to species that I had previously been unaware of, as well as gaining more knowledge and love for the plants and animals I grew up seeing. Another thing I lose about this book is how much the writers and artists strive to respect both the human and non-human worlds. It feels much like a love letter to the PNW. I recommend this to anyone who reads the description and thinks “hmmm interesting�!
June 16, 2023
This books should be a desk companion to anyone who wants to write about the Pacific Northwest. A singular field guide, both in illustration and descriptions. You’ll find all the typical data, taxonomy etc., of many different flora and fauna of this wonderful ecoregion, but those facts are buried within a poetic prose that is decidedly atypical in its delivery. Accompanying each entry is a poem or creative essay on the subject being described.
This is a beautiful and perfect tome. It’s a daily devotional for us treehuggers of the PNW, and a solid introduction to the culture of this remote area of the country.
14/10 would read time and time again.
This is a beautiful and perfect tome. It’s a daily devotional for us treehuggers of the PNW, and a solid introduction to the culture of this remote area of the country.
14/10 would read time and time again.
July 24, 2023
I was fortunate enough to be able to read portions of this book. As days went by, countless hours later, I found myself with a greater level of knowledge than I had as I started reading this book. I had a better understanding of the material and felt more confident in my ability to answer questions related to the book. I was glad I had taken the time to read it. I am amazed at the amount of creativity that goes into every page and the way each one is unique. Every poem its own style and each page captivated my attention. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an inspiring and creative read.
April 15, 2024
A beautiful, thoughtful field guide of all the living beings in the Cascadia region of North America. So much to learn here, from considering the boundless geography of the land to considering all of nature as one. The art of this book is thoughtful and fascinating. My only critique would be the way some of the writers described the interaction between “all humans and the rest of the world.� Yes, humans have an unprecedented impact. I would argue that we are still just as worthy of love as the other beings of nature. We are too in the cycle of life, though we may have different abilities and consequences than others.
April 26, 2025
Cascadia Field Guide is much more than a traditional field guide—it’s a poetic and visual celebration of the natural world in the Cascadia bioregion. The combination of stunning illustrations, carefully chosen species descriptions, and lyrical reflections by regional poets and writers makes this book both educational and deeply moving. It invites readers to slow down, notice the rhythms of the land, and reflect on their place in it. Even if you're not an avid hiker or naturalist, this book reminds you of the quiet beauty and complexity that surrounds us. A must-have for anyone who loves the Pacific Northwest—or wants to see the world through more attentive eyes.
August 28, 2023
I found myself immersed in deep nostalgia as I read Cascadia Field Guide. Being from the deep South, this was a wonderful reading experience. How can that be so? It’s a question that I asked myself, but I love how the poetry and prose deepens my understanding of the area. The poetry especially reminded me of connections I have had with various species from my part of the world, but it also harkens to an overarching idea that humanity and nature are one and interconnected. This book is more than just a field guide. It’s also a guide for the soul.
April 18, 2024
In Elizabeth Bradfield's "Cascadia Field Guide: Poems," each poem included is an amazing reflection to the Pacific Northwest's wild landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections, Bradfield captures the essence of Cascadia's natural wonders, from ancient forests to rugged coastlines. Her poetry resonates with emotion and reverence, inviting readers to explore the beauty and fragility of the region. For anyone captivated by the magic of nature, this collection is a treasure trove of inspiration and reflection.
April 12, 2023
I was given this book and thought I would just take a peek to see what it was about. Two hours later my morning was thoroughly disrupted in the most delightful way. Every page is a treasure--every poem, every drawing, every description of plant, animal or place. I never thought I would be fascinated by the description of a slug.
This book is a necessary companion for all who love the Pacific Northwest.
John Frohnmayer, Former Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
This book is a necessary companion for all who love the Pacific Northwest.
John Frohnmayer, Former Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
May 5, 2023
This is a book I will keep nearby so that I can just absorb every page. Written by dozens of people, both poetry and prose and accompanied by amazing artists. Cascadia covers from Juneau to the Rockies, to Northern California and the Pacific Coast. If want to know about a salamander, a coho salmon, a geoduck or a vine maple, you will find a description, a poem and an artist's rendition. This is a treasure. Thanks to all who contributed.
May 25, 2023
I've learned so much from this book, and I know if I read it again I will learn so much more! In this book you can explore the amazing mixture between poetry and nature. After reading every chapter or being story you might want to write some poems yourself!! this book really inspires you to write poetry or just go out and get to know the beings that coexist in your area. 10/10 I super recommend.
September 5, 2023
Every homeplace needs a field guide like this one. This beautiful collection doesn't just name and illustrate different species in Cascadia, this collection sings and praises each being, showing us how they live and interact in and with this world. Even if you've never set foot in Cascadia, after reading the bios and poems, you'll be familiar with who calls this place home and will now see Cryptobiotic Soil, Western Thatching Ants, Devil's Club, Spotted Owls and so many more anew.
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