The President’s Hoot!

Reflections of Blue Cypress- Headwater Lake of the St. Johns River

PIAS has taken a bold, innovative step by making the decision to publish the book Reflections of Blue Cypress, Headwater Lake of the St. Johns River. We hope this will accomplish several goals:

1. Enhance awareness of the unique natural environment of Indian River County
2. Advocate preserving what is left of our remaining precious habitat and native species
3. Describe the unique circumstances that have preserved this lake, encouraging us to take action immediately to make a difference
4. Illustrate the delicate balance of nature and the tremendous impact that even slight human influences can have
5. Raise funds to support the chapter’s education and environmental activities
6. Increase public awareness of PIAS goals

Audubon will invest very little money to publish this book due to a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor, along with a donation from my wife and myself. Now that the decision has been made to publish the book, additional contributions are coming in, and will continue to be gratefully accepted.

All profits from the sale of the book will accrue to PIAS. Sales of the initial printing have the potential of raising $20-30,000, certainly a major fund raising effort. Success will require us all working together to publicize the book.

We are indeed fortunate that Dr. George Schaller of the Wilderness Conservation Society has written the forward. Instrumental in preserving vast habitats worldwide, George Schaller's studies in Africa, the Himalayas, Tibet, and China have been the basis 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.

Since 1990, my wife Nita and I 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 sunrise, we get out on the lake to witness the rapidly changing light, and to photograph and savor each moment. In the book, we have tried to provide a vivid and factual account of the lake’s journey since its very beginnings. We hope our stories, poems and photographs provide a reflective and artistic perspective of the lake today, take readers on a voyage to one of Florida’s natural treasures, and give credit and appreciation for those instrumental in bequeathing to us Blue Cypress Lake in a nearly pristine condition.

The book is in the final stages, and we hope to have copies ready in time for holiday gifts. The form inserted in this Peligram will allow you to order advance copies of the book, contribute to the costs of publishing the book, or both. We are accepting orders (and contributions) now.

Nita and I already have a few speaking engagements scheduled, and plan to go on the road with a powerpoint presentation to reinforce our environmental message. If you know of any organizations that would like to hear about Blue Cypress Lake first hand, please call the Audubon Office to schedule a presentation.-Richard Baker, President (October 2003)