STRIKING A BALANCE: The Intersection of Literature, Art + Environment

I’m hopeful that I can also use my own art to shine a light on the ecological beauty of the Florida landscape and its creatures. Irresponsible development of land in my area has resulted in swaths of clearcut land, displacing animals and uprooted centuries-old trees and forests with seemingly no regard for the long-term consequences. I just learned that Sandhill Cranes once nested in great numbers where my own neighborhood now sits. A few times a year I’ll spot a lonely pair wandering around, probably looking for the wetlands behind the houses on my street in the “preserve” area that is never supposed to be built on (and I sincerely hope it is not). Black bears have been spotted in many of my neighbors’ yards over the last few years as more land is cleared to make way for more neighborhoods and shopping centers at an alarming rate. Bears have even been spotted running down the main drag of my very suburban neighborhood! I worry about these animals as they try to safely find new homes.