One of the world's first tree-top scientists, Meg Lowman is both a pioneer in her field – she invented one of the first treetop walkways – and a tireless advocate for the planet. In a voice as infectious in its enthusiasm as in its practical optimism, The Arbornaut chronicles her irresistible story.
From climbing solo hundreds of feet into Australia's rainforests to measuring tree growth in the northeastern United States, from searching the redwoods of the Pacific coast for new life to studying leaf-eaters in Scotland's Highlands, from a bioblitz in Malaysia to conservation planning in India to collaborating with priests in Ethiopia's last forests, Lowman launches us into the life and work of a scientist and ecologist. She also offers hope, specific plans and recommendations for action; despite devastation across the world, we can still make an immediate and lasting impact against climate change.
Meg Lowman, PhD a.k.a. 'Canopy Meg' is an American biologist, educator, ecologist, writer, editor and public speaker. She is the executive director of the TREE Foundation and a professor at the National University of Singapore, Arizona State University, and Universiti Sains Malaysia. Nicknamed the 'Real-Life Lorax' by National Geographic and 'Einstein of the Treetops' by the Wall Street Journal, her motto is 'no child left indoors.' She travels extensively, conducting research and speaking to audiences large and small.
"The Arbornaut captures the magic of that little-known world with its pioneering stories and clear, informative text. Readers everywhere will be fascinated and inspired to learn more about nature, and especially about how we need to conserve the world's forests."
– Jane Goodall
"The Arbornaut is about a shy girl who loved to play outdoors and became a scientist who educated the world about the abundant life in the treetops. I loved it."
– Temple Grandin
"The Arbornaut is, true to its name, an account of intrepid exploration at the upper reaches of terrestrial life, where branches and foliage touch the sky and all creatures awake to the first morning rays of the sun."
– Wade Davis, author of Into the Silence
"This is the most exciting and innovative way of introducing science that I have seen in many years. Everyone will want to read this book. Meg Lowman is starting a whole new movement exploring the treetops!"
– E. O. Wilson, author of Half-Earth: Our Planet's Fight for Life
"A passionate look at the 'unexplored wonderland' of trees [...] Lowman shines in her ability to combine accessible science with exciting personal anecdotes that effectively convey the "thrill of aerial exploration" and bolster her case that trees – and sustainable ecosystems – are worth studying, protecting, and preserving. Nature lovers will find much to consider."
– Publishers Weekly