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FHSU announces second edition release of popular Pasture and Range Plants guideKansas Fort Hays State University announces the second edition of Pasture and Range Plants, a highly popular and valuable guide to plant life in the North American Plains ecosystem. The first edition was complied by FHSU with the help of Phillips Petroleum Co., which donated the material and artwork to complete the first edition of the handbook. That edition was successfully reprinted 12 times. This invaluable guide to plants of the plains rangeland is now available in a new edition, the second. It has been completely revised by the FHSU Alumni Association, Custodians of the book, and Dr. Robert Nicholson, professor of biological sciences at FHSU. "The material for this book was originally published as a series of six separate booklets beginning in 1955. The company distributed about 900,000 booklets free to the public," Nicholson said. "The booklets were aimed at increasing farmers' and ranchers' practical knowledge of range plants. Because they were so popular and supplies became exhausted, the booklets were consolidated into a single, hard-bound volume in 1963, which was published by Phillips through the mid-70s." Former FHSU President Gerald "Jerry" W. Tomanek, a biologist by training and an internationally recognized authority on pasture and rangeland, recognized the importance and value of a comprehensive resource on the plants of the Plains and was instrumental in obtaining the original art collection and copyrights for FHSU. The second edition includes digitally remasterd plant illustrations reviewed by leading experts in the field of biological sciences and provides a review of important Great Plains plant species. It has been recognized as one of the finest contributions to understanding range management. After introductory explanations of root systems and the parts of grass plants, the main body is divided into sections on grasses, legumes, forbs and woody plants; and miscellaneous poisonous plants. A bibliography and two indexes--one by scientific name and one by common name--are also included. From the black and gold cover in the first edition to the colorful collage of flowers covering the face of the second edition, the updated names of plants and the crisper, more vibrant plant illustration bring the second edition to life. "In revising the text, I wanted to include up-to-date information yet retain as much of the original essence as possible," Nicholson said. "The original text was written to be practical, and it included descriptions, livestock and wildlife recommendations, distribution information and some cultural facts presented with minimal technical jargon." "This book is more than a fitting legacy to my predecessor, Dr. Gerald "Jerry" Tomanek," Dr. Edward Hammond, president of FHSU said. "It's FHSU's way of reinforcing the importance of grasslands and plants that support our ecosystem and understanding the past, present and future of the state of Kansas, our country and our plant." "Another unique feature of the second edition was total involvement of FSHU who generously provided their professional expertise in helping proof the species accounts," Nicholson said. "Many are distinguished professionals in their own regard and lent their time and talent in contributing to the timely release of the handbook." Copies can be purchased for $25, including tax and handling from the FHSU Alumni Association, 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601-4099, or online at www.fhsu.edu/alumni/plantbook.shtml; or by calling 785-682-4430. 10/8/07 Date: 10/4/07
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