A Journey of Discovery: Monroe County Outdoors

Wildlife biologist Terry Johnson has written a weekly column for the Monroe County Reporter for more than twenty-five years. These columns have taken readers on a journey of discovery that has wound its way through backyards and the countryside. Each week his readers eagerly await his next column to see where the journey leads them next.

Johnson has now published a collection of more than seventy of his columns. These columns are packed with fascinating glimpses into the lives of the plants and animals that live in middle Georgia.

Through Johnson's work readers are regaled with tips on transforming yards into wildlife havens. He reveals there really are black bluebirds and whether or not wild plants and animals can predict the weather. Johnson explains why birds attack windows, how deer stay warm in winter, and exposes the chorus frog as a false prophet. There is discussion about how more birds can be attracted with water than food, why mistletoe is much more than a holiday decoration, and that more species of hummingbirds are seen in winter than at any other time of the year.

Johnson's charming columns lovingly chronicle the changing seasons and foster the belief that healthy wild plant and animal populations enhance our quality of life. He also encourages his readers to spend more time outside and enjoy the wonders of nature hiding in plain sight just outside their backdoor.

Terry is a retired wildlife biologist. During his thirty-five year career with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, he was engaged in research, surveys, habitat management, and promoting wildlife-based recreation. His career culminated serving as the first program manager of the Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Program. During this time he initiated the Acres for Wildlife and Community Wildlife Projects, and coordinated the development of Georgia's two birding trails.

Terry is a prolific writer. This is his second book. He also writes a weekly column for the Monroe County Reporter, a blog (backyardwildlifeconnection.com), and a monthly column for the Georgia Nongame Conservation Section's newsletter.

His endeavors have earned him more than sixty awards for writing, wildlife photography, and conservation.

Terry makes numerous speaking engagements, bands hummingbirds, volunteers for the Nongame Wildlife Conservation Section, and serves as Executive Director of TERN (The Environmental Resources Network).