Reviews

“As a fellow research writer and guide book author, I value Janis Huggins for her focus, commitment and unwavering belief in Wild at Heart. She has produced a true opus for naturalists eager to explore the full scope of the natural world at Snowmass and  beyond. Open this book and find nature at your fingertips.”

— Paul Andersen, Author of East of Aspen


It’s so enjoyable to find a natural history book that is comprehensive, authoritative, and also fun to read. Beyond its obvious uses as a reference and learning tool, Wild at Heart is great for delving into at random. With all the interesting information about each species it makes great table reading for the solitary diner.”

— David Hiser, photojournalist & photo educator, Aspen, CO


“Wild at Heart is a beautifully written and thoroughly researched natural history guide to the Southern Rocky Mountains. Author and photographer Janis Huggins, has crafted a book that artfully blends solid information on the plants, animals, and birds of the region with intriguing lore and observation. Laced with poetry and prose, illustrated with excellent drawings and photographs, and designed with the intent to inspire a broad spectrum of curious naturalists, every page contains useful and fascinating information.

“Because this book is organized by family, it can be used in Crested Butte, Telluride, Keystone, Ouray or Vail, with confidence that you’ll find the same flowers, or very similar variations thereof, on a high-altitude hike in the area. And if you take it to Snowmass or Aspen, “you know you’re going to find what you’re looking for.”

— Katherine Darrow, naturalist and author of Wild About Wildflowers: Extreme Botanizing in Crested Butte, Colorado


Although dedicated to the Snowmass/Aspen area, this book is a must for any resident or visitor to Colorado who would like to learn more about native plants and wildlife. Wild at Heart is by far the most comprehensive, thoughtful, and well-designed field guide available for the Colorado Rockies.”

–Ann Larson, a wildflower enthusiast and avid hiker who lives in Snowmass Village.


Following reviews from Amazon.com:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wild at Heart, August 31, 2010
By cessna (USA)
A terrific reference book for anyone who wants to learn plant identification, interesting facts on the history of Snowmass and the plants, animals and people that makes this valley so very special.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, February 4, 2008
By Dennis DeVore (Grand Junction, CO USA)
I have just about every wildflower book on Colorado that has ever been written, and this is one of my favorites. The author did an exemplary job of researching the facts, including good photos, and fitting it all into a manageable sized book. Because it also includes wildlife, I keep it in the console of my vehicle, a handy identification guide to most everything, particularly birds. It is specific to the Aspen area, but the info applies to most of the high valleys of the state.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Book on the Plants and Animals of Colorado  November 5, 2007
By Al Schneider (Lewis, CO USA)
From photographs to descriptions to layout, Janis Huggins’ book is a work of art. It details the flora and fauna of Colorado’s high mountains with such detail, clarity, and beauty that it received the 2005 Colorado Book Award for Non-fiction. This book would make a very thoughtful gift for someone you know loves the mountains of Colorado — or it will bring about that love.