nature study handbooks/ID guides in North East/Mid Atlantic

I live in NJ, and I was wondering if there is anyone who lives nearby who has found any great handbooks, or guides to nature for this area of the country (or even good books with different areas noted as to where that speciment can be found, KNIM?).  I am looking for some books to put in my wishlist, so I can watch for a good price.  I am looking for not for HOW-TO books, like the Comstock one, but rather identification guides.  We need to learn a bit more about how to identify differnt insects, trees, plantlife, etc.

TIA,

Amy