Perhaps it’s not much solace for many people but like many crises, the latest economic crisis does have a silver lining (of sorts). Benefiting from the current real estate slump is sensitive land previously slated for development. Some landholders hoping to reap financial rewards from developing land are now hoping to sell land to the state for conservation and at a much lower price than they might have enjoyed if not for the current status of the economy and housing market. I was recently contacted by Florida Trend Magazine about providing an image for an article on land purchased by the Nature Conservancy in Blackwater River Sate Forest. Having visited there this past spring, I had plenty of images to offer. Blackwater River State Forest is a gem in the Florida Panhandle. Home to expanses of Long Leaf Pine Forests, endangered plants and animals (notably the Red Caucated Woodpecker), and several beautiful rivers, it’s a place to be cherished and protected. We’re planning a return visit this spring to do more exploring.
Just like everyone else, the current economy has me on edge. I don’t even like to watch the news. It’s depressing and unnerving. I don’t dare open the envelope when my 401k statement arrives in the mail. That said, I’m fairly certain the next time I’m hiking through Blackwater River State Forest with my camera and binoculars, the last thing on my mind will be the next government bailout, the decline in the value of my home, or the cost of a loaf of bread. Those concerns just can’t compete with the simple beauty of one of Florida’s finest natural areas. While the cost to acquire the land was about $2,200 per acre, the land is priceless in my book!
Here’s the image that was used for the article. The online version of the article can be found here.
Here are a few more images from our last trip to Blackwater River State Forest. I’m counting down the days to our return trip in the Spring!
First image above: View of a Pitcher Plant bog in Blackwater River State Forest on a foggy morning. Next image above: Pine trees reflecting in a Beaver Pond near sunset.
This is a pitcher plant, aka carnivorous plant (meat eater), Saracenia leucophylla
by LME
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