Forces of Nature: A History of Florida Land Conservation

Florida has a rich history of land preservation, thanks to activists and victories like William Bartram, John Muir, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, and May Mann Jennings. This comprehensive history details how these individuals and organizations have worked to designate threatened land for use as parks, preserves, and other conservation areas, creating several units of the national park system, nearly thirty national wildlife refuges, and one of the best state park systems in the country.

Format: Hardback
Length: 458 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2022
Publisher: University Press of Florida

Despite Florida's significant role at the forefront of the American conservation movement and its notable achievements in combating environmental degradation, the comprehensive narrative of land conservation in the state remains incomplete. In this comprehensive historical account, Clay Henderson pays tribute to the individuals and organizations that have propelled Florida to the forefront of state-funded conservation and land preservation.

Beginning with early naturalists like William Bartram and John Muir, who ignited the movement to establish national parks and safeguard the nation's wilderness, Forces of Nature traces the endeavors of well-known heroes such as Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and May Mann Jennings, as well as lesser-known champions like Frank Chapman, who played a crucial role in convincing Theodore Roosevelt to establish Pelican Island as the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. Henderson meticulously outlines the tireless efforts of Florida's activists, artists, philanthropists, and politicians to designate vulnerable land for the creation of parks, preserves, and other conservation areas.

Drawing upon historical sources, interviews, and his extensive experience in environmental law, Henderson recounts the numerous incremental victories achieved over time, which have contributed to Florida's establishment of several units within the national park system, nearly thirty national wildlife refuges, and one of the finest state park systems in the country. Forces of Nature serves as a motivating force, encouraging readers to actively participate in safeguarding Florida's awe-inspiring natural treasures.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813069524