I went to ABC Books (on Mangrove Ave. in Chico) yesterday and bought a copy of The Trees of Bidwell Park, written by Roger J. Lederer and illustrated in color by Carol E. Burt.

(I encourage you to buy local whenever you can. ABC Books is an excellent used book store that also features new books by local authors.)

It’s a handy little book, only 96 pages, but describes over one hundred trees commonly found in Bidwell Park, around Chico, and probably in most of Northern California. Want to differentiate between the many kinds of oak trees found here? This book shows the way.

Color illustrations of the trees and their leaves and seeds, along with identification information, will help you name the trees as you walk through the park of around town.

The book is dedicated to “all those who work to maintain Chico’s reputation as a City of Trees,” but it is especially dedicated to Walt Dempsey, “botanist extraordinaire,” who for many decades led tree tours in Chico. (I took his tour once and now I know where the dawn redwood is on the Chico State campus.)

The authors also pay tribute to John and Annie Bidwell, who planted many trees in Chico, including some exotic varieties which at the time were new introductions to the United States. They also preserved Bidwell Park for us; Annie donated it to the city in 1905. Bidwell Park and our “City of Trees” are a precious legacy. This book is your guide to exploring the riches of Chico.