​I have had the pleasure of living near Pachaug State Forest, the largest state forest in Connecticut, since 1983. My kids grew up here, and my husband and I made sure our kids knew how much fun it is to hike in the forest in all seasons. Friends of Pachaug State Forest came to be through the efforts of like-minded neighbors responding to a challenge posed against this forest beginning in mid-2016. It was realized soon after, that the group had to be something that would stand on its own for generations, not just for our immediate interests. In its mission statement, the group cites as its main purpose advocacy and education to and about our forest and its denizens. To this end I was inspired to create an educational coloring book that would not only give pleasure but inspire folk to come to the forest to enjoy the beauty and wonder that nature has to give. In this book I have featured twenty animals in their habitat along with one or two featured plants of that same habitat.  For each page I included a short description of the plants and animals on it, including scientific names at times. For those unfamiliar with these designations, the first capitalized name is the genus, and the second uncapitalized name is the species. Sometimes, especially for insects and plants, there are so many species that I have only included the genus name which encompasses them.  I certainly am not an expert, and I do not intend for these descriptions to be comprehensive. I would strongly encourage anyone who wants to know more about them to do some research on their own, or better yet, come to the forest and experience the habitats at closer range. Who knows who you might catch a glimpse of!
 
Any profits that may arise from the purchase of this book will be shared 50-50 with Friends of Pachaug Forest.
 
Many Blessings,
Lauren Blair Churchill