As a child I visited Jacksonville; then, as a young person, discovered Sanibel. I spent part of every winter there and eventually settled in Nokomis. Over the years I've explored the beaches, swamps and woods of Florida.
I started photographing the scrubby flatwoods at Oscar Scherer State Park and with the mentoring of generous souls, I developed a deep love for the plants and animals of this rare community. After completing the Florida Master Naturalist Program, I was moved to document other natural areas throughout the peninsula.
When I download my photos onto my Mac, I identify that day's plants using the Florida Plant Atlas. Then I put "what is" into the context of "what was" by reading William Bartram, J.K. Small, Roland Harper, and Archie Carr.
I think of myself as a scribe. My photography and writings are a pathway to understanding Florida's rich diversity. As I climb over fallen trees and extricate myself from thorny brambles, places may verge on vegetative chaos. Often light, weather and access are out of my hands so I have learned to relinquish control. When I give into serendipity, magic happens.
Oftentimes I hear bulldozers and over the years I've watched natural Florida disappear parcel by parcel. Grieving for the losses, I have made a commitment to "stand" for the land which is as important to me as documenting it.
This website records my continuing Green Pilgrimage from naiveté to passionate advocacy. May it help you on your journey.
