Society of Environmental Journalists

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?!