Best Ecology Books of 2025

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a beautifully written book that combines indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge to explore our relationship with nature. As a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer shares her reflections on the gifts and lessons that nature offers us. She argues that we need to acknowledge and celebrate our reciprocal relationship with the living world to awaken ecological consciousness. The book is a hymn of love to the world and a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of other beings. It is a unique and inspiring read that will change the way you see the world.

Entangled Life is a fascinating book that takes readers on a journey into the hidden lives of fungi. Merlin Sheldrake, a young biologist, explores the diverse kingdom of fungi that supports and sustains nearly all living systems. From yeast to psychedelics, from the "Wood Wide Web" to fungi that infiltrate and manipulate insect bodies, this book shows how fungi can change our minds, heal our bodies, and even help us remediate environmental disasters. Sheldrake's vivid writing style and unique perspective make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the world we live in.

"Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses" by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a beautifully written book that blends science and personal reflection to explore the world of mosses. Through a series of personal essays, the author reveals the biology of mosses and how they are intertwined with the lives of other beings. Kimmerer's diverse experiences as a scientist, mother, teacher, and writer of Native American heritage provide a unique perspective on the natural history and cultural relationships of mosses. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in natural history and the environment."

The Invisible Rainbow by Arthur Firstenberg is a groundbreaking book that reveals the impact of electricity on the biosphere and human health. Firstenberg traces the history of electricity from the eighteenth century to the present, demonstrating that many environmental problems and major diseases are related to electrical pollution. This book is a masterpiece that transforms readers' understanding of the environmental and health effects of electricity and radio frequencies. As a result, it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the ecological impact of technology on our planet.

"Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World" is a groundbreaking text that explores the potential of mushrooms in saving the environment. Written by renowned mushroom expert Paul Stamets, the book presents an exciting new concept of mycorestoration, which involves using mycelium to decompose toxic wastes, control insect populations, and enhance the health of our forests and gardens. With chapters on medicinal and nutritional properties of mushrooms, inoculation methods, and species selection, the book is a comprehensive guide for those interested in mycology. As a physician and practitioner of integrative medicine, Andrew Weil, MD, finds the book optimistic and exciting, offering nonharmful solutions to serious environmental problems."

The Geography of Nowhere is a thought-provoking book that traces America's evolution from cohesive communities to the current landscape of parking lots and cartoon architecture. Kunstler depicts the economic, social, and spiritual costs of America's car-crazed lifestyle and proposes a solution to revive civic art and life. The book is a wake-up call for citizens to build communities that are once again worthy of our affection. Kunstler's elegant and often hilarious prose makes this book a wonderfully entertaining, useful, and provocative account of the American environment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in shaping our world as it continues to change at a dizzying pace.

All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms by David Arora is a comprehensive guide to identifying over 200 edible and poisonous mushrooms found in the western region of the United States. The book includes simple checklists of identifying features for each mushroom, making it accessible for beginners. Arora’s engaging writing style, combining wit and wisdom, makes this guide a masterpiece in guide writing. The book is a valuable addition to any mushroom hunter’s collection, and its pocket-size format makes it easy to carry on outdoor excursions.

A Sand County Almanac by Leopold is a foundational text in environmental science and a national treasure. The book is a series of sketches based on the flora and fauna in a rural part of Wisconsin, where Leopold traveled through the woodlands of Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, Sonora, Oregon, Manitoba, and elsewhere. The book has sold over 2 million copies and remains beloved for its description and evocation of the natural world. The 2020 edition includes an introduction by Barbara Kingsolver, making it the perfect opportunity for those who haven't read this remarkable work of twentieth-century American nature writing.

Bringing Nature Home by Douglas W. Tallamy is a compelling guide that sheds light on the unbreakable link between native plant species and wildlife. The author emphasizes the importance of native plants in sustaining biodiversity and highlights the negative impact of habitat destruction on wildlife populations. The book provides practical and achievable recommendations for everyone with access to a patch of earth to make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity by simply choosing native plants. The book has gained significant momentum in gardening circles, and it's a must-read for anyone interested in increasing biodiversity in their garden or landscape.

1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann is a groundbreaking work that challenges the conventional beliefs about the pre-Columbian Americas. Mann presents compelling evidence that the indigenous peoples of the Americas were not living in a pristine wilderness but had a significant impact on the land around them. The book is a fascinating read that sheds light on the rich and complex history of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus. Mann's engaging writing style makes the book a joy to read, and it is an eye-opener for anyone interested in Native American history. Overall, 1491 is a must-read for anyone who wants to broaden their understanding of the Americas and its indigenous peoples.