In keeping with its mission of Bringing People to Nature...and Nature to People, ARNHA publishes books exploring the natural and human history of the American River in the Sacramento region. Order books online from the list below, or buy them at EffieYeaw Nature Center's Discovery Shop in Carmichael's Ancil Hoffman County Park and at selected book stores in the Sacramento region.
Click photo to order
Biking and Hiking the American River Parkway (4th Edition) By Robin Donnelly
The expanded 4th edition is a mile-by-mile guide of natural and cultural history along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bicycle Trail from Discovery Park to Folsom Lake. It includes maps, access points, photographs and the nine Horse Staging areas along the Parkway. $14.95 Read an excerpt
Click to order
An American River Journal Illustrated by Jo Smith, essays by Peter Hayes
This pocket size book features wildlife drawings by Jo Glasson Smith, widely respected naturalist, illustrator, and ARNHA co-founder. Essays are by Peter Hayes, retired newspaper editor and ARNHA publications committee member.
The volume captures the beauty and peace of a walk along the river. $9.75 Read an excerpt
Click photo to order
The Lower American River: Prehistory to Parkway Edited by Peter J. Hayes
Formerly titled The History of the Lower American River (1991 edition), this is an updated story of those who tapped the riches of the Lower American River, from the native Nisenan, to the gold-seekers, to the modern-day protectors of Sacramento's treasured parkway. Published in 2005, it contains dozens of vintage photographs, historic map, timeline, and index. $14.95 Read an excerpt
Click photo to order
The Outdoor World of the Sacramento Region Edited by Jo Smith and Peter J. Hayes
A revised and expanded edition published in 2004, this 236-page volume, originally authored by the revered teacher and environmental activist Effie Yeaw, contains drawings and descriptions of 600 local plant and animal species found in the Sacramento region. This guide also includes maps and descriptions of the geologic and environmental evolution of the Sacramento region. $14.95 Read an excerpt
An American River Almanac: Reflections on Nature throughout the Year Photographs by Tom Myers and George Turner, essays by Peter J. Hayes
With 78 full-color photographs and 63 evocative essays, ARNHA's stunning gift book chronicles the rhythms of life through the seasons among the birds, mammals, fish, trees, insects--and even some human visitors--in the river's environs. $19.95 Read an excerpt
Effie Yeaw: Teacher, Naturalist, Visionary A Sketch of Her Life Features her story, "Carlyle the Crow" By Frederic Gunsky
A new, expanded edition of the story of the beloved school teacher who introduced thousands of Sacramento area children to nature and was in the forefront of the struggle to establish the American River Parkway. $4.95Read an excerpt
Wild Neighbors The American River Parkway Activity Book Drawings by Jo Smith and Gail Mackenroth, Cover by Molly Keller
This unique activity book contains dozens of original drawings of Parkway animals to color - along with other activities to make learning about nature fun for children through 4th grade . $4.00
Click photo to order
Birds of the American River Parkway Drawings by Narca Moore-Craig, text by Steve Flannery
Exquisite pen and ink drawings with descriptions of the 57 birds most frequently seen along the Lower American River. $3.95
Discovering the American River Parkway By Beth Etgen and Jo Smith; Illustrations by Jo Smith.
A 60-page teacher's manual with black and white illustrations, maps, and activity ideas that promote using the American River Parkway as a classroom. $10.00
Ooti: A Child of the Nisenan By Terri Ball; 1996 revision by Jo Smith, illustrations by Jo Smith.
A children's story of the daily life of a Valley Nisenan or Maidu child who might have lived along the American River. This book includes songs, games, crafts and activities for young people to enjoy. $5.95
The Valley Nisenan Educator's Guide By Terri Ball and Carol Doersch; 2002 update by Beth Etgen and Vince LaPena.
Designed to supplement the Maidu Field Day with information on geography, material culture, plant and animal use, social organization, and more. Pre and post-trip activities section and bibliography included. 172 pages. $20.00
