William M. Marsh

I used the second edition of this book 20 years ago as an architecture grad student taking a landscape architecture class, primarily about landscape ecology. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say it was revelatory and enlightening. It gave me valuable understanding I’d lacked of landscape and landscape processes. I hadn’t realized how ignorant I was about these things, things which I’d be (and have been) impacting as an architect and planner. As a hiker/backpacker and kayaker it also show more laid a foundation for greater understanding and appreciation of the natural places I’ve visited.

Perhaps most importantly, it gave me a better understanding of fragile ecosystems, of wetlands and their functioning, and better knowledge of other matters important in land use and minimizing its negative environmental impacts. I’ve recently been reviewing the book again and reading the few chapters we omitted in class 20 years ago. It’s easily one of the best texts I’ve ever used, and useful for students and professionals in numerous disciplines. show less