Back out to Lake Okeechobee

Burning of the Sugar Cane Fields on route to Belle Glade.

Those closets to me know I have had an itch to get back out on Lake Okeechobee. My personal project of photographing Florida's native landscape has really transformed into a conservation vision. With all the efforts towards restoration and understanding the wisest steps to restorative flow, I believe that the coming years will focus more closely on the Lake. Perhaps, I speak too quickly without scientific ecological expertise, but I here goes: there was a 2 and half mile stretch of pond apple trees from the eastern section of the Lake at Port Mayaca west to Clewiston. The forest of pond apples existing as a natural filter for the Everglades as the water flowed through the Democratic River south and west down through Fisheating Creek in Lakeport and the Caloosahatchee River, which begins in Moore Haven. Let's restore the beltway!
My friend and native Floridian, Boots, has already been an active steward of his community and the Lake. I hope to join his efforts to help in the myriad of conservation action to preserve the Everglades. If we all do a small part within our communities, Florida can continue to grow and prosper.  

Here are some images:

The grass is tall on this section of the Lake. The trees are evidence of settlers  from the early part of the 20th Century.

Torry Island is in the distance. The smoke is from the burning of the sugarcane fields.

Sea Otter at rest. Many alligators wait for animals to drink at the shoreline.