This field guide to the fascinating alpine areas of New England is updated, expanded, and as practical as ever. The highest ranges of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are home to a splendid world of alpine flowers, colorful mosses and lichens, and many animals that survive there despite the difficult terrain and extremely severe weather. Climate change, invasive species, and human impact all threaten the specialized high-elevation flora and fauna treasured for their perseverance and rarity. With 350 full-color photographs, an easy-to-reference flowering chart, and expert advice, this guide helps you identify and protect the plants, birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals of the alpine zone. Inside You ll Find: Photos and descriptions of nearly 200 mountain speciesExpanded entries focusing on unusual and interesting plants and animalsCoverage of the Presidential and Franconia ranges, Mount Mansfield, and KatahdinInformation on exploration, geology, weather, and alpine plant communitiesResults of recent alpine research, as well as citizen science initiatives"