This documentary was filmed in 1991 and produced early in 1992 by Kurtis Productions, Inc. in Chicago. The film was written and produced by John Grahame and filmed on 16mm, at cost, by Neil Rettig, an internationally-recognized natural history cameraman. Award-winning journalist Bill Kurtis donated his time, production staff, and editing equipment, IPA Studios performed the graphics and final editing at a substantially reduced cost. Funding was provided by Archbold Biological Station, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Donnelley II, and The Nature Conservancy.
All these persons and organizations generously gave their time and resources, so a disappearing ecosystem of ancient origins and rare beauty might survive. The Florida peninsula is being consumed by human uses, yet it still harbors some of the most unusual natural area in North America. The sandy uplands of the Lake Wales Ridge are among Florida's most important windows into the past - an isolated ecological region filled with endemic species of animals and plants, many of which are nearing extinction. An unprecedented conservation partnership involving public agencies and private institutions have come together to save what remains of the natural communities on the Lake Wales Ridge. About 30,000 acres of land are targeted for protection in addition to the I 0,000 already under conservation management. The State of Florida, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the South and Southwest Florida Management Districts, The Nature Conservancy and the Archbold Biological Station have worked together to develop a network of preserves, management plans, and funding mechanisms. Acquisitions are actively underway along the entire length of the Ridge. The largest remaining tract of xeric uplands on the Ridge includes the 5,000-acre preserve of Archbold Biological Station. Besides its 60-year (at the time of filming) role as a research institute, Archbold is committed to continuing its own direct acquisition of natural areas in the southern Lake Wales Ridge region. Acquisitions totaling about 700 acres were accomplished in 1990- 199I. Nearly 3,800 acres of habitat adjacent to the Station, now called the Archbold Reserve, were acquired in 2002. Many other tracts are for sale, at average prices of $1,500 to $3000 per acre. This wild land will be converted to citrus groves or housing developments if not bought and protected for conservation very soon. Most land acquisition for research and conservation at Archbold Biological Station is now accomplished jointly with The Nature Conservancy. Acquisitions depend substantially upon donations from the private sector, augmented by funds from the operating budget of Archbold Biological Station. Acquisition and management overhead is provided by Archbold, so every dollar donated to Archbold Biological Station for scrub preservation goes 100% into land purchase.
If you enjoy this film, and believe in its message, please share the message with a friend. Also, please consider joining the many conservationists who have given generously to help save the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem.
Contributions sent to Archbold Biological Station are entirely tax deductible. Please direct your contributions to the "Scrub Acquisition Fund." Your generosity will live forever in the form of scrub jays and blazing stars on Florida's most ancient, Island in Time.
Archbold Biological Station
123 Main Drive
Venus, FL 33960
www.archbold-station.org