A Nature Lover's Almanac

Book excerpt: A treasury of nature facts and trivia for every season: “Get ready to be amazed, delighted, and enlightened.”—Chip Ward, author of Canaries on the Rim: Living Downwind in the West Did you know that: We all have follicle mites living on our faces? In India, the humble pigeon is a symbol of lust? Jumping spiders sometimes watch TV with you? Healthy garden soil has the same characteristics as a good chocolate cake? The North Pole rarely points north? The caterpillar of the silver-spotted skipper blasts its frass (poop) five feet outside its nest? This collection of fascinating but little-known facts of nature will connect you with the rhythms of the universe even if you live far from the wild—and enlighten you every day of the year. Also included are good tips for gardeners as well as a rundown of what constellations you can see in the night sky each month.