Authors to Speak at March Meeting

Authors to Speak at March Meeting

On March 19, at 7:30 p.m., Space Coast Audubon is please to present Dr. Richard H. and Dr. Juanita N. Baker, who will discuss their book, “Blue Cypress: Photographs, History, and Poems of the Headwater Lake of the St. Johns River.” This book, published by the Pelican Island Audubon Society, provides a reflective and artistic perspective of Blue Cypress Lake today, taking readers on a journey to one of Florida’s natural treasures.

Since 1990, Richard and Juanita Baker have visited Blue Cypress Lake many times, often spending the night listening to a steady chorus of frogs and an occasional gator. Rising before the sun, they often witnessed the early changing light, and photographed and savored each moment of their days at the lake. In the resulting book, which includes photographs and poems they provide a vivid and factual account of the lake’s history since its very beginning.

Pelican Island Audubon Society was fortunate to have the opportunity to bring the Bakerie’s beautiful tribute to people everywhere who are interested in wildlife, conservation, natural history, photography, or just experiencing one of Florida’s very special places. The Board of Directors made the decision to commit the resources to the project after the authors approached Audubon with a generous financial donation and an offer to give all proceeds of the sale of the book to the chapter. At the same time, another anonymous donor stepped forward with a substantial sum toward the publishing of the book. By publishing Reflections of Blue Cypress, Audubon hoped to enhance awareness of the unique natural environment of Indian River County, Florida; advocate preserving what is left of our remaining precious habitat and native species; illustrate the delicate balance of nature and the tremendous impact that even slight human influences can have; describe the unique circumstances that have preserved this lake, encouraging us to take action immediately to make a difference; increase public awareness of their chapter’s goals; raise funds to support the chapter’s education and environmental activities.

Audubon was honored to have Dr. George Schaller of the Wilderness Conservation Society write the forward for the book. Instrumental in preserving vast habitats worldwide, George Schaller’s studies in Africa, the Himalayas, Tibet, and China have been the bases for his numerous scientific and popular writings. The winner of several awards, including the National Book award, he has authored 15 books, including The Serengeti Lion, Stones of Silence, The Year of the Gorilla, and The Last Panda.

The first printing of Reflections of Blue Cypress was completed late last year. The book is available for $34.95 at the Audubon offices in Vero Beach, and at book store and gift shop locations throughout the area. The Pelican Island Audubon Society is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society dedicated to the preservation and protection of animals, plants, and natural communities in Indian River County through advocacy, education, and public aware-ness. For more information about Audubon or the book, or to order a copy at the pre-publication price of $29.95, contact the office at 772-567-3520.