An old growth forest is one that has formed naturally over a long period of time with little or no disturbance from human kind. They are increasingly rare and largely misunderstood. ln Nature's Temples, Joan Maloof, the director of the Old Growth Forest Network, makes a heartfelt and passionate case for their importance. This evocative and accessible narrative defines old growth and provides a brief history of forests. It offers a rare view into how the life forms in an ancient, undisturbed forest including not only its majestic trees but also its insects, plant life, fungi, and mammals - differ from the life forms in a forest manipulated by humans. What emerges is a portrait of a beautiful, intricate, and fragile ecosystem that now exists only in scattered fragments. Black and white illustrations by Andrew Joslin help clarify scientific concepts and capture the beauty of ancient trees.