Michigan Trees: A Handbook of the Native and Most Important Introduced Species

This is a practical handbook for identifying every tree species in Michigan, written with the conviction that knowing trees is the first step to protecting them. Otis designed artificial keys that work in any season, winter buds and bare branches included, so you can identify trees year-round in the forest. The book covers both native species and significant introductions, with detailed descriptions that focus on what actually matters in the field: bark, leaves, silhouette, habitat. It's grounded in early 20th century conservation thinking that feels remarkably prescient now. Otis wrote to spark what he called "an intelligent interest in our forests" among Michigan residents, and the book carries that missionary zeal without ever becoming preachy. Whether you're a student, a forester, or someone who just wants to name the tree outside your cabin, this handbook gives you the tools to do it. It captures Michigan's forests at a pivotal moment, before intensive logging and development reshaped the landscape. For anyone who loves Michigan's woods, this is both a practical guide and a window into an older relationship with the land.