Recs if you like The Mountains of California...

A collection of non-fiction books that touch upon the stories of the natural world, and all the people who live among it. (Or, as an astronomer once said: "I love stories, and the story of our universe is the grandest one we have") Always open to suggestions!

I know there are already several lists with a California theme, but I am hoping this acts as a syllabus of sorts for books that deal with the core myth, history, violence, dream, and contradiction of California. Suggestions are welcome!

History, ecology, & beauty of California

Forever mourning the loss of Jeanne Villepreux-Power's journals.

The canon 19th and 20th century works of naturalist nonfiction (with some mystical/metaphysical naturalist writing as well because the naturalist-to-poet pipeline is real and irresistible)

** work in progress! focusing on works that include more observation of the natural world than internal meditation of the author/reader—but for a work to be categorized as "naturalist," the human element still needs to be present in some dynamic way. avoiding figures like darwin and audobon for now, although their journals may fit the criteria. welcome suggestions for non-white/indigenous works from the 19c/20c!

*** final disclaimer: I know National Geographic has a complicated history and included plenty of exploitation in its exploration, so the title of this list may change. I grew up with contemporary Nat Geo, and it sparked a lifelong fascination with the world, and I'll forever be grateful for that... so the title leans more on that nostalgia for now.