Saturday, October 29, 2011

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?!

3 comments:

Natalie and Josh said...

Wow! Some heavy hitters in there:) You guys are so great...love to see your adventures continually unfold! So fun!!

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Clyde is a great photographer because he composes his photos with his love of Nature...he is a good friend of mine JoAnn Carlson in Naples Florida. Thank you for sharing Peace, mary helen Fernandez Stewart

tours in pakistan said...

That place seems to be dangerous but perfect or trekking and adventure.