WRITING
EXAMPLES IN A NON-TECHNICAL STYLE
Conservation
Easements: An Alternative
A magazine article on the nature and practical value of conservation easements -- a way of preserving private property in its natural state. Published in Iridos, from the Botanical Institute of Texas, 2008.
Trees
of Huntsville and Walker County, Texas
A book on the biology and history of trees in Huntsville
and the surrounding area -- including interesting in-town tree walks and where
to see unusual species, the values of urban trees, an outline of Huntsville’s
tree policies, and a discussion of landscaping, buffers, parks, and open space
in the Huntsville Development Code. Published by the Sam Houston
University Press, 1998.
Information about the golden currant -- with notes on the biology of the species. One of many 'fact sheets' written by me and posted on the USDA PLANTS Web site, 2001.
Why
do scientific names of plants change?
An
explanation, written primarily for professional gardeners and landscape
designers. For example (as as extreme
example), why has the beautiful and relatively simple name of Aster azureus
been changed to Symphyotrichum oolentangiense? New classifications and names reflect new understanding about
evolutionary relationships but the new names often are confusing and seen as
unnecessary by those outside of scientific circles. Published in the German magazine GartenPraxis (translated
into German), January 2009.
The genus
Aster recently has been divided into a number of smaller genera. More than half of the North American species
originally named as Aster now are placed in the genus Symphyotrichum. Others have gone to equally obscure names
such as Almutaster, Ampelaster, Canadanthus,
Chloracantha, Doellingeria, Eucephalus, Eurybia, Oclemena,
Oreostemma, and Sericocarpus.
Only two species of “true” Aster now grow outside of gardens in the USA,
one native and one escaped from cultivation.
This brief overview gives the rationale for what’s happened
and provides links to other popular, semi-technical, and technical explanations
and related information.
Update to A Liberal Arts Education: Other Species PDF
This
essay suggests that a first-hand knowledge of species other than our own is a
highly effective way of developing an appreciation for life on Earth and a more
committed stewardship of the planet. A
know-the-species course should be a significant part of a liberal arts
education. The suggested course is
integrated into an updated liberal arts curriculum comprising four major
areas. Coauthor: Alan Weakley of the
University of North Carolina.
Representing
Humanity
Five
representatives are selected for a first encounter with aliens. (1) a Cosmologist/ Astronomer/
Physicist; (2) a Chemist/ Earth
Scientist; (3) a Biologist/ Physician; (4) a Human
Historian/ Philosopher; and (5) a Musician. Different
combinations are considered, including a single Representative, and the choices
say much about how we regard ourselves as a race as well as what we might
expect in the encounter.
Choice
words, phrases, and aphorisms
For fun,
a collection of vocabulary and sayings: telegraphic vocabulary, often underused
(or overused); evocative phrases and metaphors; aphorisms and truisms, good
advice; big vocabulary.
Mr. Igeron ( Piero Delprete, 1995)