The Society of Environmental Journalists had
their convention in Miami and one of the side
trips was a swamp walk at our gallery. We had a
great time meeting so many people who maintain
our freedoms by educating us through their
writing, photography and films. Hope to see
them all down the road of life again!
Our adventure with the Society of Environmental Journalists
started at the Everglades Restoration Tamiami Trail
Bridge being built east of the Miccosukee Indians.
Joe Browder and Clyde getting their hard hats for
the excursion into the construction site.
Clyde and the Secretary of Interior,
Ken Salazar
Secretary Salazar explaining the purpose of the
bridge and future plans to save the Everglades.
(Currently the road that crosses this area is
composed of fill and blocks the flow of water
south into the Everglades. The new bridge will
allow the water to flow naturally.)
Secretary Salazar surrounded by journalists
while explaining the project
Colonel Pantano of the Corps of Engineers
explaining the project of building the bridge
Isabelle climbing the ladder
Isabelle at the top
Clyde climbing the ladder
On top of the bridge...wonderful view!
Craig Pittman and Clyde discussing the Everglades
and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Clyde talking to the journalists after their
adventure on the bridge
Everyone adjourned to Big Cypress Gallery.
Clyde meeting with Franklin Adams and
Michael Grunwald, author of "The Swamp",
a great book on the history and environment
of South Florida.
BobDeGross, Chief of Interpretation and
Public Affairs, explains the ecosystem of
Big Cypress and why it is slightly different
than the Everglades system
Superintendent Pedro Ramos introducing Joe Browder
and Franklin Adams, two of the founding "fathers" of
Big Cypress National Preserve. They were able to save
this huge beautiful acreage by making compromises
that allowed the Indians, hunters and people who
lived here to continue to do so. The land was created
into the FIRST National Preserve...not a National
Park. However, to this day the misunderstanding
concerning the fact it is a Preserve and not a Park
has caused many miscommunication as to its use.
Bob DeGross leading a group into the swamp
Joe Browder (on left) anxiously awaits the
opportunity to get back into the swamp
while Isabelle explains a little about the
ecosystem before walking into the swamp
Isabelle leading a group into the swamp
Isabelle explaining how wonderful
the plant called Bladderwort is for
the ecosystem
Isabelle explaining the bromeliad
Taking photos
Bob DeGross leading a group through
the swamp
Bob answering questions
Superintendent Pedro Ramos and
Clyde hugging a cypress tree
Clyde with JoAnn (who organized trip)
and Superintendent Pedro Ramos
Taking a photo of a fisheating spider
A little bit of a closer view of the image...
A great meal was served to us by
Camellia's in Everglades City
A relaxing lunch under our new Chickee that
was built by our neighbor, Leroy Osceola
Bob DeGross, Jackie, Isabelle and
Superintendent Pedro Ramos
Our afternoon was brought to a close with
a talk by Franklin Adams.
It was a wonderful day...beautiful weather &
great people! What more could we ask for?!
