Big Cypress Swamp: The Western Everglades

Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center - Opening Celebration 2010

2010-03-22T14:21:00.005-05:00

Big Cypress National Preserve and The South Florida National Parks Trust were host to an incredible event on March 20, 2010 in the heart of the Big Cypress Swamp. A large group of folks came to celebrate the dreams, the hard work, the efforts, the partnerships, the arts and friendships in celebration of this building - one of a kind - Welcome Center in the Big Cypress Swamp. Below are a collection of images from the event.

Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve gives a welcome to the group of contributors inside the new media center.

Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Parks talks about the National Parks to the audience.

Carlos Arazoza, Chairman of the Board for South Florida National Parks Trust addresses the audience followed by the presentation of awards by Trust members Patrick White and Howard Isaacson.

Ribbon cutting at the entry of the Welcome Center.

Opening the doors - ready for visitors.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Commissioner Ron Bergeron talking to Don Frinefrock.

Speeches, more awards, recognition under the big tent and another ribbon cutting for the Welcome Center.

Presentation by Miccosukee Chairman Colley Billie

Presentation by Nathaniel Reed

Presentation by NPS Director Jon Jarvis

Ribbon Cutting in the big tent.

Before the events was great time to meet new and old friends.

Clyde Butcher, Jon Jarvis, Pedro Ramis, Elam Stoltzfus, Diana McGee

Carlos Arazoza and Don Frinefrock

Wayne Rassner

Elam Stoltzfus

Big Cypress National Preserve Welcome Center Grand Opening

2010-03-11T16:46:00.001-06:00

Opening Celebration of the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center

March 20th, 2010

Big Cypress Swamp event at the von Liebig Art Center in Naples, Florida

2010-01-16T18:14:00.000-06:00

On Thursday evening Jan 14th, the von Leibig Art Museum in Naples featured the Big Cypress Swamp event. They are hosting a series of events featuring Clyde Butcher's images and the theme of the Big Cypress Swamp: the Western Everglades. To kick off the events, Clyde and I did a presentation about how we met, the series of projects we created over the last 2 decades and the making of the Big Cypress Swamp project.

Clyde Butcher, Jack OBrien and Elam Stoltzfus

Don Frinefrock with the South Florida National Parks Trust giving the opening statements.

Clyde and Elam sharing their stories about Big Cypress Swamp.

The Leroy Henehayo Osceola Family at the event. It was a pleasure to have the family attend a local event in support of the arts, film and the Big Cypress Swamp.

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Earlier in the day I had stopped by the Big Cypress Gallery to chat with Clyde Butcher and while at the Gallery, Senator George LeMieux stopped by to visit with Clyde. It was honor to meet the Senator representing Florida.

Clyde Butcher, Senator George LeMieux, Elam Stoltzfus and Rick Cruz.

Film Screening, Big Cypress Swamp: The Western Everglades

2010-01-11T07:51:00.001-06:00

January 14 - Jan 14, 2010 - from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

The von Liebig Art Center • 585 Park Street • Naples, FL 34102 • 239.262.6517

Big Cypress Swamp: Western Everglades is a 56-minute documentary that shares the history of the Western Everglades preservation and showcases Big Cypress as an ever evolving, complex ecosystem. The film showcases the stunning beauty of sawgrass and sunsets in the swamp, it highlights the wide variety of plants and wildlife, and includes stories of tireless efforts to preserve and manage the Big Cypress Swamp region. Viewers will be treated to rare and primeval sights and sounds of swamp expeditions through cypress strands by foot, air boat, swamp buggy and helicopter. In the background is the “music” of Big Cypress: an ever present orchestra of croaking frogs, wading birds, flowing water, and approaching thunderstorms.

Producer Elam Stoltzfus is a nationally acclaimed and award winning filmmaker. He is a master cinematographer whose projects capture the essence and glory of nature. In Big Cypress Swamp: Western Everglades Elam invited fine art photographer Clyde Butcher to host the project and capture Big Cypress Swamp through his large format camera lens. Butcher is a nationally renowned nature photographer who specializes in black and white images. The final touch in this stunning documentary is the narration by the golden voice of Peter Thomas who resides in Naples.

This film screening is open to the public for $50 per person, which includes a full-length version of the documentary on DVD. Clyde Butcher and Elam Stoltzfus will be available to autograph DVD’s and other related merchandise, available in the art center's gift shop, during the event. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a 30-minute wine and cheese reception. The film and lecture will begin at 6 p.m. and feature a 20-minute version of the film plus a presentation and Q&A session by Butcher and Stoltzfus. A share of the proceeds from the film screening, as well as a percentage of DVD and gift shop related sales, will benefit the South Florida National Parks Trust’s campaign to purchase permanent exhibits for the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center being built on U.S. 41 near State Road 29.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to visit the new Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center each year to learn about the Big Cypress, its wetlands and wildlife. The Big Cypress National Preserve is building the $2.2 million center on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) in Collier County. Construction began in late 2008 and is now nearly complete, but the project itself won’t be finished until the center’s exhibits are installed. The South Florida National Parks Trust-- 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that supports South Florida’s four national parks--is seeking to raise $250,000 in matching funds to purchase 19 permanent exhibits that will explain the Big Cypress, its history, hydrology and habitats to visitors. All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar by the Big Cypress National Preserve. This event is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, City Mattress, Gulfshore Life and Comcast.

Fakahatchee Discovery Series

2010-01-11T07:48:00.001-06:00

Book online at www.friendsoffakahatchee.org or phone (239) 695-2905

Fakahatchee Discovery Series

Sponsored by the Friends of Fakahatchee Strand

THE SAFARI

Join us to explore nature and enjoy the wonders of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, home of the Ghost Orchid.

Saturday, February 27 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Copeland, Florida

Scenic Tram Rides

Naturalist-Guided Swamp Walks

Nature Walks at an Easy Level

Wildlife Exhibits

Demonstrations of Prescribed Burn

Florida Photo Gallery

Professional Photography Hands-On Class

Swamp Buggy Ride

Sunset Bonfire

“Cracker Dinner”

spit-roasted whole hog unusual Olde Florida delicacies Complimentary Wine

Cost $125 per person. Annual membership in the Friends is included.

Places are limited!

Book online at www.friendsoffakahatchee.org or phone (239) 695-2905.

News Fur Feinschmecker about Paradise Coast, Florida

2009-12-09T14:48:00.004-06:00

A featured article included in the News Fur Feinschmecker about Paradise Coast, Florida. Der Dokumentationsfilm über die Western Everglades von Elam Stoltzfus bringt die prachtvolle Schönheit des Landstrichs ganz nah. Gezeigt wird der intensive Film im Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, das 2010 bei Everglades City eröffnet wird www.bigcypressswamp.org/bcs ).

Film wins Naples International Film Festival audience award

2009-11-14T14:01:00.000-06:00

Good news - the BIG CYPRESS SWAMP: THE WESTERN EVERGLADES won the audience award at Naples International Film Festival! It's a beautiful film that resonated with our audiences. - - Ellen Goldberg, NIFF Senior Program Director

www.naplesfilmfest.com

The documentary film was featured at the NIFF on November 7th & 8th to a full house. Then was picked up by the featured line up for the Best in the Fest of NIFF at Sidney - Bernie Davis Art Center in downtown Ft. Myers on November 13th & 14th.

www.sbdac.com

Thank you to everyone who supported BCSWE and came out for the many great films at NIFF.

www.bigcypressswamp.org

Naples International Film Festival - 2009

2009-11-08T18:48:00.001-06:00

Elam and Nic (son) traveled to Naples to attend the Naples Backyard History event to kick off the 2009 Naples International Film Festival.

The event on 3rd street was for a collection of artists, film makers, musicians, photographers, actors and supporters of the arts. The event was put together by Dr. Lois Bolin and Lavern Norris Gaynor. It was great atmosphere to meet new artists, network to share new ideas, and to renew old acquaintances.

In attendance for the evening was Fred Koenekamp, Cinematographer for Patton, The Towering Inferno, Papillon, the UNCLE series and many other films we all have enjoyed. It was real honor to meet Mr. Koenekamp and chat with him for a few minutes. His comment about his career and camera operators, is learn your craft, be well prepared and develop your skills by repetition. Fred was a two time Academy Award winner and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Also stopping by to visit was Stephen Bogart, Humprey Bogart's son.

The NIFF was a master mind effort by Eric Raddatz, Rowan Samuel and Dan Linehan. Together with a vision for a international festival they put together a great lineup of films from around the world, stellars support of local sponsors, committed board of directors, a ton of volunteers to handle all those little details. Little items such as a gift bag after arriving at the hotel room, an assigned ambassador, maps, passes, etc.

Kudos to the future of the NIFF events. One of the best festivals I have ever been a part of. Thank you Eric for the invitation and all the support the Big Cypress Swamp documentary received from the Naples community. I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and professionalism displayed for a first annual festival.

Listening to Rep. Mark Hudson talk about his tour over Big Cypress Swamp from an aerial view. It was pleasure to have Mr. Hudson stop by to show his support to the arts and films.

Chatting with Mr. John Sorey III Council Member talking about Naples along with Don Frinefrock, Executive Director of South Florida International Trust.

Great opportunity to meet Nicholas Petrucci, a local artist with a special interest in the old Naples history. Nicholas is telling me about the research events with Peter Matthiessen for the Killing Mr. Watson stories.

Thanking Mrs. Lavern Norris Gaynor for supporting and putting on the wonderful event at the Naples Backyard History honoring the local artists and the NIFF.

Before the screening on Saturday evening Nic and I had the wonderful privilege to have supper with Philip and Maureen Hartung. Maureen had written several articles about the Living Waters and Apalachicola River projects years ago. It was a great pleasure to meet friends and catch up on all the happenings of life.

Posing with Eric Raddatz with his son Ethan at the Norris Center.
Fine young man who already has a passion and understanding about film making.

Ambassador Tina and Hostess Carol at the Norris Center before the screening of the film.

A great crowd to screen the film. Followed by a Q&A. It was great to see the support and interest about the Big Cypress Swamp. Questions included: Is the jetport still there? How do I do a swamp walk? Comments: Thanks for making this story and film. What your going to do next?

Apalachicola River presentation at the 2009 CDC Health Conference

2009-11-04T17:39:00.000-06:00

On October 26 and 27th Elam Stoltzfus traveled to Atlanta (up river) to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) 2009 National Environmental Health Conference. The CDC invited Elam to bring a collection of images and a film to introduce the researchers and scientists to an opportunity to think about using art and images to convey their material with new media. The purpose was to view the media as a story-telling opportunity to reach their clients or audience.

On Monday in the Grandball room of the Sheraton featured a collection of Clyde Butcher's black and white photos representing the Apalachicola River. Elam had a series of images of the Apalachicola and Chipola River. This was an important reminder to everyone about water and health issues and how we are all connected by water. It worked out well as people walked by the art work to do a meet and greet. Many people has questions about art, the rivers, the area and support of the programs.

One of the interesting connections was with Jonathan Yoder, Esther's (wife of Elam) nephew that is employed by the CDC in Atlanta. Jon's connection to the Apalachicola River and Chipola River was his playground as a young boy growing up in the panhandle of Florida. Its here that he learned to appreciate the great outdoors, water ski, fish and camp along the waterways. Jon also had traveled with Elam to the deep swamp around Florida as a young teenager.

Later on Tuesday evening the two films of Big River and the Apalachicola River: American Treasure were the featured event for the evening session followed by a Q&A. In attendance representing the Big River documentary were the film makers that included Aaron Woolf, Ian Cheney, and Curt Ellis, they had produced the well-known King Corn documentary film several years ago. Big River is a follow up about what happened with the water that is drained off their one acre of corn in Iowa. Great documentary, must see. Check out www.kingcorn.net. Its about the food process in America. After the presentation of the two films, the film makers had a panel discussion about the films. Questions included issues about water, food, film techniques and good questions. The panel host was Donna Garland. Hopefully everyone left with a new appreciation about our land and water. How we are all connected with the waterways around the world. New ideas on how to use art and images to educate people.

Big Cypress Swamp documentary at Miami University and Deering Estate

2009-10-26T13:01:00.002-05:00

On the 22nd and 23rd on October 09 I spend time in Miami with several screenings and workshops talking about the Big Cypress Swamp: the Western Everglades documentary. On the 22nd the day started with a lecture about camera moves and techniques with Ed Talavera's film making class at the University of Miami. About 15 students were in the class. We had great discussions about cameras, formats, HD vs film and so on.
In the afternoon, I gave a workshop Film Making 101, So you want to tell a story? This was interested students and facility members at UM. The presentation consisted of the basic of story telling, productions, pre & post, audio, lighting and basics of video productions. Anthony Smith was the moderator and coordinator.
In the evening, Friends of the Library at UM sponsored a screening of the Big Cypress Swamp film at the Bill Cosford Cinema. The format was in BluRay on a large screen. Wow, it was unreal to see the images so large and very sharp. Amazing process to think that I was looking through a 4 inch view finder on location to capture the video images. This was great event to meet new people, see and hear about the interest in the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades issues, and share about the art of film. A pleasant surprise was that there were several people in attendance that were good friends of Marjorie Stoneman Douglass. They appreciated the tribute that was given to Marjorie in the film.
The UM events were coordinated by Liliana Davidson-Tower. Liliana had picked several great restaurants for the day, including the Ortanique Cuisine of the Sun, 278 Miracle Mile and for late supper at the Hy Vong, a Vietnamese Cuisine on 3458 SW 8th Street. Both places had great food and wonderful service.
The Friends are having a series of events in this season which include Joe Browder in November, along with Sammy Tedder and Clyde Butcher next year. check out: http://www.library.miami.edu/about/friends/friends_benefits.html

On the 23rd the event was sponsored and planned by the South Florida National Parks Trust at the Deering Estate as a fund raising for the new art work in the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center. Check out www.deeringestate.org. The evening included a brief introduction by Don Frinefrock, Director of the Trust followed by a lecture/talk by Clyde Butcher and me. We discuss and explain how we met, projects we worked on together, our passion for the arts in nature and try to educate the audience about the environmental importance of conservation in Florida. Clyde had a few of the images hanging in the Cottage for a sneak preview of the upcoming Big Cypress exhibit. After the talk the entire Big Cypress Swamp documentary was shown in the ballroom of the old stone house. It was an interesting experience to be at the Deering Estate and the beautiful setting along the Atlantic Ocean. www.southfloridaparks.org

Living Waters Exhibit at Inverness - 1-10-09

2009-10-14T19:24:00.002-05:00

On Saturday 10-10-09 the Living Waters: the Aquatic Preserves of Florida exhibit by Clyde Butcher was featured at the Old Heritage Courthouse Museum in Inverness, FL.

What is amazing about the Living Waters exhibit that is just keeps going and traveling around the state of Florida. Florida DEP has and is doing a great job on keeping the show on the road. If you are interested in the exhibit, contact: Earl Person at: Earl.Pearson@dep.state.fl.us or call at:(850) 245-2104.
The exhibit looked great in the old courthouse.

At 10:30 Clyde and I were able to meet and greet the people who came to view the exhibit and present our horse and pony show (or is the Mutt and Jeff show). Clyde and I have put together a lecture that takes you on a journey of how we met, the first video production and interview with Clyde. We talk about getting out into the swamp, being introduced to the deep swamps of Florida, and traveling across the state of Florida. We talk about how the Living Waters idea was conceived and designed on a napkin. This really was a napkin idea. We tell tidbits of the filming and photography for the Living Waters production. How the idea of education and the opportunities to share with people began to cover the different medium of art, photography and film.

Clyde posing with a few guests.
Folks walking through the exhibit.
A full house at the lecture.

After the lecture Clyde and I walked across the street to have lunch at Stump-Knocker’s with Dick Roberts and his wife (Dick was featured in the Living Waters film at Loxahatchee) and friends of Clyde, George and Marilyn. Must say, Inverness is great small town tucked just SW of Ocala and a stone's throw off I-75. A small corner of restored building and cobblestone streets.

Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida exhibit at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum,Inverness, FL

2009-10-07T12:42:00.003-05:00

Clyde's traveling exhibit Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida will be exhibiting at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum - One Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL. This Saturday October 10th, Clyde and Elam will be giving a presentation from 10:30-11:30. This event is free but they would like you to call and make reservations (352) 341-6436. 12:00-1:00 meet Clyde and Elam in the gallery for a meet and greet plus a book signing.

Comment from a viewer of the Big Cypress Swamp doc for WUSF

2009-10-02T14:50:00.002-05:00

I really enjoyed the entire program.

It was easy to tell by the tears in my eyes.

I am fourth generation Floridian. Still living in the same area where we originally settled.

I often pacify my hostility about our disappearing Florida by saying or thinking

" We have enjoyed it for many years, perhaps it is time to allow all these others to have their turn."

I will be 60 this year, next month, and I can remember many things that now cannot be found anymore.

I was asked, a couple of years ago, "What were your favorite toys and activities when you were a kid?"

My reply;

" An old broken 16ga double barrel shotgun and a machete were my favorite toys. My favorite activity, and I spent innumerable hours and days doing it, was wandering around in the woods and swamps."

The person asking the question was surprised and taken aback. They then asked "Surely you didn't wander alone, and the gun wasn't real?"

My answer was " yes I was alone and the gun and machete were real. After all I was probably about 7 or 8 years old when I started going alone."

They just walked away.

Many of the things I saw in your program brought back memories long tucked away.

The incredible beauty of Florida wetlands and swamps glimpsed in the program. The flowers, trees, shrubbery, and the myriad of creatures. How far I gotten away in my years of technical employment. Sigh

Listening to the stories about damage done, through ignorance or greed, raised my anger until I am sure my blood pressure was quite high.

Then listening about some of the things that are being done to help restore and preserve our precious and valuable Florida, brought me back from my anger and made me realize that I need to get off my 'duff' and help, if only to spread the word.

Seeing the segments about the tours, walks, camping, as well as the research and teaching, made me want to get up right at that moment (and the feeling has not passed) and go do a walk in one of the mentioned areas. I also thought of other areas, many in my area, that should be visited and revealed to those who do not know.

My intention is to make it required viewing at my home (many of my guests have found that 'The Yearling' movie was required in the past. It is not so much the story as the scenery and description of life in old Florida that is important during the viewing. )

Many of my friends are teachers, or affiliated with local school boards, and I would introduce them (hoping that their students would be introduced as well)

As I said above, the entire program made such a strong statement to me that I cannot pick any points or segments that were not strong or important. I thought that each point made, whether education, natural beauty, economic importance, or resource conservation all were done very well and clearly made their point.

You chose a HUGE target(s), clearly identified the issues, explained the criticality, showed that things are being done to repair and preserve, and showed that Florida's citizens and visitors can all help while at the same time finding enjoyment in our natural environs.

Thanks again

To you Elam.

To Live Oak Productions and the other contributers for the outstanding production.

And to all of you for just being there... it is people like you that give me faith that there are others that also have the feelings for this Florida, and the rest of the planet, like I do.

-- Mark Mayo, Dade City, FL -- Public Television Viewer for WUSF - Tampa

Comment from a viewer of the Big Cypress Swamp doc

2009-10-02T14:41:00.001-05:00

"….it was indeed an incredible film, Mr. Stoltzfus. The message was conveyed through, not just facts/interviews, but also beauty and humor, and that really struck a chord with me. Aesthetically, I was impressed again and again, with nature for having such beauty and with you for having such talent in capturing it. I loved the shots, but I was especially taken by the audio track and the sound mixing..all the notes were hit just right. I turned out all the lights while watching and just focused on it ..the film wasn't just educational and inspiring, it was also very soothing.. Bravo, Mr. Stoltzfus! :)"

-- Tabinda Syed, Media Student at Florida State University