Between Ocean and Bay A Natural History of Delmarva Book

Jane Scott's Between Ocean and Bay calls attention to an often overlooked ecological treasure: the Delmarva Peninsula, which comprises all three counties of Delaware as well as the eight counties of Maryland's Eastern Shore and the two counties of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Scott provides a meticulous setting-forth of the animal and plant life of Delmarva. Along with offering scientific names, descriptions, and hand drawings of the peninsula's life forms, Scott also makes clear that the human impact on the life of Delmarva, since the beginnings of European settlement in the early 17th century, has generally been negative. From careless clearing of old-growth forests in colonial times, through the impact of the pesticide DDT on bird populations in the mid-20th century, and on to beach overdevelopment around Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City today, Scott draws what might seem a bleak picture of careless environmental exploitation. Yet that bleak picture is balanced with success stories of how government agencies and private groups have managed to stem, and at times even reverse, the damage done by past generations. Recommended for any Delmarva resident or visitor who appreciates the fragile beauty of the peninsula.