The free-flowing Ocklawaha, and its natural populations of fish and wildlife, was clearly a resource belonging to all citizens of the state of Florida and can be, I hope will be, again. By the year 2020, two-thirds of Florida's projected 20.5 million inhabitants will have moved here from somewhere else. It has not always been so. It stands an impressive five feet tall. Its body is shingled in slate gray feathers, accented by a visor of crimson on its ever-alert head.
Kites rank among the most efficient wind masters in the bird kingdom.
The rhythm of fall rolls over North Florida, quickly, like waves breaking on a shore. And the refuge I turn to as often as possible is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge . They have never abandoned the garden, as I have, on the hottest, muggiest days, and it's a good thing, too. Susan Cerulean is a nature writer and biologist living in Tallahassee. She coordinates the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission's Watchable Wildlife Program.