Work In Progress

Falcon

1,000 feet above the open plain a Peregrine falcon flies alone, keen eyes fixed on its prey below. The dive, or stoop, at speeds of up to 200 mph, is breath-taking to watch.

Known as the sport of kings, falconry was known in the Fertile Crescent as early as 3000 BC. Falconry was highly popular in Europe up until the French Revolution. Throughout history images of kings and sultans in the Arabian Gulf states are seen with birds on their arms as they ride out to hunt. The rich history and tradition surrounding falconry, and the facts of this fastest creature on earth, are only suggested in my painting of an Omani man in his traditional dress with his falcon.

It’s the romance of ancient history, the drama and the pageantry associated with falconry in the Middle East, the elegance of robed Arab royals that attract me, and the proud, alert falcon perched on a man’s gauntlet, ready for flight.

Rebecca

Why are women eternally fascinating to men? There is beauty to unveil, and romance, drama and elegance. They are perfection and wisdom, beauty in my eyes, sapphire and ruby and emerald. They belong among the wildflowers, somewhere free, and they belong on the edge of darkness, where my imagination begins.

I have chosen to explore one man’s imagination through the Mystery of a Woman series.

honorablebobgraham-3.jpg

We are extremely honored that The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator, Governor and Statesman, has accepted our invitation to be the ninth GUARDIAN OF THE EVERGLADES.

The Honorable Bob Graham, former Florida Senator and Governor, is now concentrating on the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at University of Florida, his legacy of leadership. Long known for his tireless support for protection of the Everglades, his participation in the GUARDIANS OF THE EVERGLADES project adds both statewide and national political perspective to the project. A native son, Bob Graham has dedicated his life to serving the public, and the Florida voters approved. He has never lost an election in Florida.

As Senator, Bob Graham pioneered several environmental programs which have attracted national and international attention. Senator Graham is best known as the author and key sponsor of the "Restoring the Everglades, An American Legacy Act," which authorized the $7.8 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Graham would not settle for a piecemeal approach to restoration but steered this multi-billion dollar, multi-year plan through Congress a decade ago. It is still being implemented.

After retiring from the Senate in 2005 Senator Graham served as Co-Chair of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. In a lifetime of leadership, he has never been timid in protecting the heart of Florida. Nicholas and Connie are deeply honored to have The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator, Governor and Statesman, as a GUARDIAN OF THE EVERGLADES.

Ed Carlson, Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Image ©Connie Bransilver

Ed Carlson, native of South Florida and Director of the Audubon Society's acclaimed Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, looks and moves like the outdoorsman he is -- big, tall, soft spoken and gentlemanly. The Sanctuary, through Ed’s leadership, is the center of protection for crucial wetlands constantly under pressure to yield to development. Ed Carlson stands firm for the last, best wood stork nesting grounds and the watershed making human and stork existence there possible.

Deb Jansen, Florida Panther Biologist

Wildlife Biologist Deb Jansen has spent more than 30 years studying, tracking and monitoring the highly endangered Florida Panther, an "umbrella species" for the entire Everglades ecosystem. As the fate of the panther goes, so goes the Everglades. If the Florida Panther is thriving in its habitat then all the other plants and animals are thriving as well. Deb’s care and watchful eye offers us a barometer to the survival and health of the ever-decreasing wildlife.

When I first met Deb I could not help but notice she had been blessed with two of the lightest blue crystal eyes, as direct and blue as a panther kitten’s, and truly mesmerizing. If you have ever looked into the eyes of a large cat and felt that maybe you might not be on top of the food chain then you will know. However, these beautiful eyes are also part of a very lovely, charming and thoughtful woman. Deborah watches over the endangered Florida Panther, all that is left of the wide-ranging puma or cougar east of the Mississippi. Deborah is one of the silent heroes for our survival, as well.

Deb's scientific studies define panther and habitat recovery, but her dedication to educating the public on panther and habitat health distinguish her to the public. Deb cares deeply about the big cats and it is a privilege to know her.

hilary swain on lake annie, archbold biological station.jpg

Image ©Connie Bransilver

A more dedicated woman you will not find. Hilary Swain’s enthusiasm and buoyant British personality are a delight. As Executive Director of Archbold Biological Station since 1995 and manager of a 10,300-acre working cattle ranch, Hilary applies scientifically supported conservation strategies to practical land management. And this land, more than 20,000 acres in total, is where much of south Florida’s drinking water comes from. Hilary speaks with the knowledge of a scientist as she conveys years of research concerning Florida’s land and water. Not paying attention to this formidable voice would say we are not concerned about the welfare of one another. Her concerns about our water in South Florida should not fall upon deaf ears. Without it we would all perish. Hilary has earned my respect as scientist, conservationist, and gentlewoman.

Tracker, Roy McBride and Chili

I met Roy for the first time with one of his good friends, Chili, on a large chain. Roy is the kind of man you can sense is a no-nonsense fellow. His words may be few and like a true gladesman he watches and listens and then says exactly what he means. If there is anyone who encompasses the spirit of the movie Crocodile Dundee it would be Roy. There were moments with the turn of his posture he even looked like Paul Newman. Chili kept looking up at Roy awaiting his bidding and seemed quite content to be alongside his master. Working with scientists monitoring the health and movements of the endangered Florida Panther, Roy tracks big cats in Florida and throughout the world. He trains his hounds to locate and chase only the big cats, and when the cats are safely treed, the dogs’ job is done and it is then up to the scientists to take data and release the cat. Roy lives and breathes the kind of existence most men can only hope to experience by hiring an expensive guide for a chance to know what the wilderness feels like. I really liked this outdoorsman.

Keith and Marshall Jones are fifth generation Gladesmen, proud to live the life they love, proud of their traditional life, and protecting the Everglades with 21st Century know-how. They are making a life for themselves and their families at Mack’s Fish Camp, an 81 year old family camp business deep in the sawgrass prairie. A new Federal study of the Florida Gladesmen Culture has recommended that Mack’s be listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a traditional cultural property. On a visit, Keith called his resident alligator and fed him from the dock, and Marshall was barefoot most of the time, saying he preferred it. “I watch his back, and he watches mine,” they each said.

Keith and Marshall, in their early 30s, and their young children, Gator and Mack, represent the future, tradition embracing technology to conserve the Glades. They are living the lore, and bringing a thoroughly modern approach to guardianship of the Everglades.

Work In Progress

Falcon

Rebecca

honorablebobgraham-3.jpg

Ed Carlson, Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Deb Jansen, Florida Panther Biologist

hilary swain on lake annie, archbold biological station.jpg

Tracker, Roy McBride and Chili

keith-marshall-jones©conniebransilver.jpg