Annie's Blog

Reaching the Tipping Point

2011-04-19T08:43:00.001-07:00

Dear All:

We used to say things like: 'Yikes, our learning curve goes straight up' and 'we're learning the equivalent of a masters degree a month' etc.
But looking back on those years is like looking back at a beginner's course in communications and public awareness!
We've now entered hyperspeed...that's the best way to describe it.

The exciting part is that there is a noticeable convergence happening.
Stewart was pointing this out to me, as we prepared to participate and speak at the U of F Water Symposium this week.
(more on all of that later)
Here are some examples of noticeable convergence:
environment and economy
science and humanities in educational curriculum and public activism
global and local issues
innovation and creativity
I'm sure you're thinking of others as you read this.

We began taking a regional and comprehensive approach for Florida's future well being 10 years ago.
This big picture approach has been problematic for many, sometimes hard for folks to grasp sometimes equally hard for us to articulate...
however its given us a very interesting overview of our state and region over the past decade.
We've placed ourselves in the point where the well being of our environment meets the health of our economy and our education crisis!
We've created exciting projects with great partners helping each of these sectors to meet and merge.

We're still the only organization working on a region and/or with a comprehensive approach.
Most of the time we're still the only citizen group sitting at the table!

In the next few weeks I'm going to tell you what's happening in and to our region from our perspective
as well as the views and expertise of those who we trust to know best.

Skipping ahead to the bottom line:
Its time for action and we need your help.
There are now roughly 600 of you who are our members.
Some of you need to become current with your membership and send in this year's dues.

This year...really in the next few months, I need to double the membership.
We're poised to step onto the big stage and bring our message to national leaders.
This magic 1000+ number is vital for a few reasons but suffice it to say;
at 1000+ members doors will open for us at higher levels and leaders will interact with us on a whole different level.

I also need an active and "muscle toned" membership who can help us move information effectively.
No organization has a more talented or informed membership! I know this about you.

Please tune in for these "talks" and help us to build momentum as we let you know what we need.
These are exciting yet time sensitive issues.
The really big and bright news is that the solutions to our challenges are doable and can be accomplished with great economic benefit to all of Florida's people.

More very soon...please stay tuned!
Thanks All.
Annie

OLO! Celebration

2011-04-19T08:42:00.001-07:00

"As I read the magazine I became very emotional because finally someone has captured why this place is so special, and it reminded me of why I moved to Florida." Pamela Atwell, local resident

Hi Everyone.
Even as we speak, this weekend's Celebration keeps growing!
As the word spread; musicians, painters, poets and local businesses have contacted us to say they're coming!
Check out the schedule below.
You, we... are reveling in the idea of celebrating why we all love this wonderful place...and how we're working together to care for and preserve it!
This event is rather historic for pioneering the idea that the people of a place can take it upon themselves to design and produce two guidebooks covering a six county area and tell our own stories with our own pictures! Its a brand new model.
I'm out there working on economic development, education models and environmental awareness programs...region wide.
Our region's conservation work, our cultural offerings, our innovation and technology, and our natural resources combine to make us a an ideal place to live, work and raise a family. There is a growing movement to market North Florida as an emerging model region and go after attracting the best and the brightest. However, we know we must be it to attract it! The first step is being proactive by telling our own stories through these Guides and through organic, grass roots events like this weekend's Celebration at our beloved OLO! Come be part of the movement...its our story to tell.
View the online, live version of both Guides and
Check out directions with more details at FloridasEden.org
See you there!
Annie

OLO!

2011-04-19T08:40:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!
Please help us. We need you to send this out and assist us to circulate our major news.
We are more than thrilled to announce a very special Florida's Eden weekend event.
What's the big deal? We're holding this event to release a number of our new Guidebooks to the public!
Both the new Heart of Florida and the Pure Water Wilderness Guides will be offered all weekend.
Saturday, February 20th, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 21st, 1-4 p.m.
To celebrate the release, we're creating a joyful event:
OLO! A Florida's Eden Weekend of Painters, Poets, Musicians and Culinary Delights!!
(I've included the press release below along with the beautiful poster Stewart designed.) Last time we released guides, there was a considerable frenzy (you may remember) as people competed to be one of the few to get a copy. It's become a collector's item. We know you loved the first HOF Guide but seriously...you haven't seen anything like this one! Everyone who has seen it is going nuts. I promise you...prepare to be blown away. This is the coolest thing ever!

Come, Come Come! Join us and help us celebrate this enormous accomplishment. We turned out not one but two Guidebooks, covering six of our region's amazing counties. This effort is the culmination of two years of work and an emotional journey where we met incredible people, made many new friends, discovered all new places to explore and heard amazing stories. Some of those
talented people will be with us for the OLO Weekend to meet you and help bring these Guides to life!

We'll have music by our dear friends Paula and Mac Tyner, Eric Diamond and Patchwork. As many of you know, Cathy DeWitt
worked on the audio CDs in BOTH Guides! Restaurants from both Guides are donating food and Tony's now nationally famous Clam Chowder (Cedar Key) will be there for all to taste. (You will be making regular pilgrimages to Cedar Key once you taste it.)

And our many, dear "plein air" painter friends will be set up, capturing the view as we celebrate
all the reasons we love this north Florida's Eden.

Sean Dowie has graciously offered to host us at his beautiful WindMill Gallery atop the region's most beautiful vista, the Orange Lake Overlook, affectionately known to us as the OLO! Wait until you see what Sean's been doing with the historic (Huff Citrus) buildings that make up the WindMill Gallery. The Gallery itself is now a fully working art space filled with stunning paintings by our members, Jean Tyson and Gary Borse, Sean's large format photographs and Ty Tyson's wonderful and comfortable hand crafted furniture. (I want a piece!)

AND, Newly renovated is the old citrus packing house. We'll have lots of fun Florida's Eden displays inside and help Sean introduce this new venue as a future workshop space. Painting, photography, craft weekend workshops anyone? I can not imagine a more perfect art haven for all of us and envision this 'OLO' as an epicenter for many weekends spent making arts and absorbing creative energy. Be sure to find me and put your name on the mailing list if you're interested in taking classes as we're working with Sean to schedule a wonderful array of future weekend offerings.

So...How can you help? Please take a look at Jacqui's corresponding email about participating with us.

Finally- Phase 2 of this groundbreaking project involves using these guides as proactive tools for the region.
To place the online version in targeted magazines and newspapers, to query articles about the Guides, to go back into regional communities to work on even more essential community development, to visit legislators and community leaders and to continue the projects initiated as part of our pioneering the guides as economic and public awareness vehicles. All of this requires funding.
While these guides are complimentary; we are asking everyone for a suggested donation of $5.-$20. at the weekend.
Yes, you can pick up Guides and drive off...but we hope everyone will happily participate in this community effort to help this project move forward. We're even offering door prizes and other goodies to sweeten the donation pot.

So please forward this, plan to bring a friend and we'll see you there!
Thanks Everybody.
Annie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (scroll down to view event poster) Florida's Eden Releases Two Regional Guidebooks:
The Heart Of Florida Guide (Alachua, Marion, Columbia Counties)
The Pure Water Wilderness Guide (Levy, Dixie, Gilchrist Counties)
When: Saturday, February 20th, 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 21st, 1-4 p.m.
Where: The WindMill Gallery, atop the historic Orange Lake Overlook, US Highway 441 in McIntosh, Fl.

CONTACT: Annie Pais, Executive Director, Florida's Eden
awpais@aol.com, 352-377-0777
High Resolution Photographs Available for Print, upon request
www.FloridasEden.org

Florida's Eden celebrates the public release of two new comprehensive guidebooks to the area by inviting the public to enjoy art, music, poetry and culinary delights at the Windmill Gallery atop the breathtaking, historic Orange Lake Overlook, OLO on US 441 just south of McIntosh, Florida, February 20th and 21st. Together the new Heart of Florida and Pure Water Wilderness Scenic Guides offer a rich and exciting portrayal of six North Florida counties, replete with amazing things to do and see, local stories, gorgeous photography, conservation information and audio CDs.

The two new publications are the most visible products of the pioneering asset-based economic development work of the non-profit Florida's Eden. Founded in 2002, the organization promotes the value of conservation as the cornerstone of a prosperous local economy. The current project spans six counties that include both urban cultural hubs and rural small towns. "It is especially important in these economic times that locally-owned businesses survive," emphasizes Annie Pais, Florida's Eden Executive Director. "They give us our local flavor, and serve as the anchors for all our main street communities."

The Guides include over 280 locally owned businesses and destinations, representing well over 1500 community jobs. In addition to the printed guides, each and every business is included in the online versions, complete with live links. For many local businesses, this is their first online presence, providing an essential avenue for reaching new audiences. Florida's Eden is now embarking on the second phase of this project, utilizing both Guides to attract and inform visitors, engage the media and proactively build awareness by marketing the region.

The Guides provide a new level of connectivity by offering a blend of exciting visitor destinations while portraying the area as a leader in conservation, green tech, and innovation, all based on the latest in current research. While residents of the area are eager to embrace both environmental concerns and successful economic models, visitors increasingly research and choose destinations that demonstrate caring for their own communities. Visitors and residents alike will enjoy the inside track to interests as varied as nature trails, heritage, culinary offerings, romance and cultural experiences.

The online editions of the Guides help promote the region far and wide. The majority of the print edition is also used for out-of-area promotion and a limited quantity are distributed locally. "The Last time we released a Guide, there was a frenzy as people scrambled to get a copy," Pais explained, "It's amazing how fast they disappear...there just aren't enough to go around!"

The area's top artists, musicians, restaurant owners, organic farmers and other businesses will be on hand at the OLO! weekend to help celebrate and share enthusiasm for their participation in the Guides. Come pick up a free guide and/or stay and enjoy the best of the region's talent.

All donations support the next phase of the Florida's Eden work to utilize the guides as economic development tools.
Florida's Eden is a 501-C3 not for profit and donations are tax-deductible.

Celebrating Florida's Eden Culinary Tourism

2011-04-19T08:39:00.001-07:00

Seeking out what the locals eat has now been elevated to a global traveling genre
described in two tasty words...Culinary Tourism.
In the months to come you'll be hearing a lot more from us about Florida's Eden Cuisine
as we promote our unique region's passion for fresh organic ingredients and delicious dining experiences!

Just thinking about Florida's Eden conjures up a perpetual garden of earthly delights!
Here we have the complete recipe for rich culinary offerings: a year round harvest, two coastlines,
many delicious products and the combined influence of various cultures including Spanish,
Caribbean, Southern Cracker and African.

The whole world is in love with the Slow Food Movement, that gastric celebration of everything anti fast food!
Exciting local "Farm to Table" partnerships allow chef's to offer the freshest products from area gardens, and CSAs,
Farmer's Markets and You Pick It farms now make organic produce affordable and available to all...virtually everyday of the week!

How lucky are we however...for as the rest of the country is currently putting their garden beds to sleep for the long
dormant winter; we are turning the soil and replanting for our glorious cool weather crops.
Florida's Eden indeed!
Here we have the opportunity to invite travelers to sample our region's heritage through a moveable feast of
locally owned restaurants, both rural and urban, from coast to coast.

Join us as we release two new Florida's Eden Guidebooks inviting residents and visitors to abandon the corporate, generic highways
and opt for the scenic route along the back roads and blue lines cris-crossing our extraordinarily unspoiled Florida's Eden.

In early fall we'll be gifting you with the Pure Water Wilderness Scenic Guide! (Gilchrist, Dixie and Levy Counties)
We're thrilled to introduce the world to this breathtakingly beautiful area.
Here you'll discover our Southern Heritage at its best.
We describe it as the place where Seafood Meets Barbecue!
Its a smorgasbord of clams, scallops, fish, beef, pork and even buffalo.

Then, as the holidays approach; we'll treat you to an expanded version of the Heart of Florida Scenic Guide.
Just as the pecans are harvested and the citrus season is in full swing; we'll help you explore new favorite
places to take visiting family and friends as you introduce them to an authentic Florida's Eden Holiday.

Stay tuned through our website...www.FloridasEden.org
and support our efforts to build prosperity here by preserving and supporting
the local treasures and resources we're so blessed to enjoy.
Please renew your Membership and ask friends to join Florida's Eden now.

We thank you.
Annie

Recipe for Florida's Eden Golden Scallop Chowder

2011-04-19T08:37:00.001-07:00

Florida's Eden Golden Scallop Chowder!

I love taking classic recipes and using local, seasonal ingredients to give them a new twist.
So, since its Scallop Season now through September in Pure Water Wilderness, try this for a summer treat.

You can go Scalloping at the Gulf, between Suwannee and Steinhatchee or stop by Northwest Seafood in Gainesville
and pick up a pound of fresh scallops.

This Chowder celebrates our Florida's Eden Summer Sunshine and unlike the traditional red or while chowders, this one will be a sunny golden!

In a heavy good sized soup pot begin by melting 4 tbsp. sweet butter.
saute 1 diced Florida Sweet onion and 4 minced cloves garlic
(optional: you can also begin by frying a 1/4 pound diced bacon and after removing the crispy bacon,
saute the diced onion and garlic in the bacon grease which should be about the same 4 tbsp of fat.
If you go this route, add the crispy bacon back in when serving the chowder.)

Add 1 large diced orange or yellow sweet bell pepper and saute together with the onion and garlic.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, thyme and smoked paprika.
Add 4 tbsp. flour and stir while cooking to cook out the flour taste.

Then add either 1 quart clam broth or chicken broth and simmer covered...your choice.

Add to this 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes and 2 cups fresh corn sliced right off the cob, about 3 ears of corn.
Tip: When slicing the corn off the cob, go around the cob a second time and get the starchy parts of the kernels
which are hanging on near the cob...this part will help thicken the soup.

Correct the spices. There really may be enough salt in the broth, your call.

When the potatoes are tender, about 7-8 min.
Turn the soup off.
When the soup is warm but not hot, add 1&1/2 cups heavy cream and puree half the soup in the blender.
Return to the pot. This will give you a thick and golden soup. Check the seasonings again...add whatever you like at this point.

Now you're ready to saute or grill the scallops. Use whatever seafood spice or rub you want.
Saute in butter or olive oil for just a brief time, don't overcook them.

To Plate:
Pick a shallow soup bowl, fill with a cup of the chowder and float 6+ sauteed scallops for each serving.
Sprinkle a mixture of rough chopped, fresh parsley and basil over the top and serve with a thick wedge of toasted or grilled crusty bread
or those cute little oyster crackers and keep some extra hot sauce handy!
You're in Florida's Eden Heaven!
Serves 4-6

note to foodies:
There's a heat wave forecasted for this week...perfect time to dip into see the movie Julie & Julia... Bon Appetit!

Out and About in Florida's Eden

2011-04-19T08:36:00.001-07:00

We're in the dog days of summer and even the cats are belly-up in the
flower pots!
How about a fresh, cool idea for a day trip?
This time we're heading out to Fanning Springs for a Florida's Eden Experience.

Fanning Springs State Park sits right on the historic Suwannee River
for double the fun!
The Suwannee is considered to be one of America's most pristine rivers
and our fresh water springs are
more concentrated here than anywhere else on Earth.
These Artesian Springs are a constant heavenly 72* year round.
So pile friends and family into the car and head on out.

There's a lot to do in Fanning Springs where the bridge crosses the
Suwannee: On the Northeast side of the bridge is Fort Fanning, built
during the Second Seminole War. There are no remnants of the fort as
it was made of wood and did not survive the warm, wet climate. Fort
Fanning is now a lovely park with walkways, an overlook with a
fabulous view of the Suwannee and numerous benches to sit and relax
on. It's free. On the Southeast corner is a wayside park with a
picnic area and a floating dock. You are welcome to fish off the
dock, or just take a stroll down to the river. Free again!

No need to bring lunch because we've discovered a fabulous restaurant
located right on Hwy 19/98.
Its appropriately called The 19/98 Grill (352-463-1998) and I promise
you you're going to thank us for introducing you to this local
treasure.

Our staff was out having fun gathering content for the new Pure Water
Wilderness Guide and we were starving...as usual.
The wise locals headed us toward The 19/98 Grill ...with big smiles on
their faces.
The 19/98 Grill sits on the west side of the highway, back from the
road. It has an old time western country store feel to the decor &
building, which had healthy tomato vines and other veggies growing
right up the exterior walls. Come informal and hungry. There are even
picnic tables outside for those still wet from swimming!

We were all craving different things so we made an excellent sampling
of the long menu.
I had an amazing greek salad and some sweet potato fries.
Stewart had catfish and yummy sides.
Jacqui had her old favorite high school lunch of french fries and
sweet tea! She was tempted by the deli sandwiches, but the fries were
just right and a meal in themselves! The 19/98 Grill has that
satisfying combo of a relaxed atmosphere, great tasting food, good
pricing and a friendly, local flavor.
There's a bakery and even a small general store area with local jams
and jellies.

Once everybody's happily satisfied; scoot over to "Point of View"
(352-463-0718 / www.PointofViewGifts.com) for some more local
treasures.
North Florida is fast becoming a shopping heaven for those who love
antiques and special gifts!
As you drive in here, you'll quickly realize that this place takes
shopping to a whole new level!
Full sized animal sculptures welcome you along the driveway..some made
of painted tin or recycled steel.
We marveled at the great assortment of outdoor decor, antique tractors
and Mexican pottery. Definitely worth exploring!
If you're like us, once inside you'll probably spread out to hunt for
whatever your heart desires...
and you'll be yelling for each other to "come see" every few minutes!
There are over 40 vendors under one roof and each section's more
exciting then the last.
They literally have treasures from all over the world! You'll love it.

I bought the perfect whitewashed, farmhouse shelf with a mirror, to
hang on the wall by my slipper tub.
I'd been searching for it for months.
Jacqui found an antique bamboo floor lamp that was exactly what she
wanted for her living room and priced at a great deal.
You'll find everything in this wonderland; furniture, local antiques,
fun quirky stuff from everywhere,
jewelry, kitchen stuff, funky art and that one of a kind treasure. Its a hoot!

If you just can't bring yourself to go home...or if you're more
prepared than we were;
you can spend the night...right on the river. Call the Suwannee Gables
Motel (352-542-7752 / www.SuwanneeGables.com) and tell them you are
coming.
The Suwannee Gables Motel has river front cottages along with a
floating dock and swimming pool.
We know you'll agree; it really is hard to leave the Suwannee after
she casts her sultry spell on you .

Annie

On the radio Sunday, on 5 programs!

2011-04-19T08:35:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody:

This Saturday at midnight we set the clocks ahead.
Even so, please get up early on Sunday morning, March 14th and
tune in for one of 5 Florida's Eden half hour radio programs.
Let me explain.

Florida's Eden was invited to record a half hour radio interview
as part of a Community Affairs Show created by Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.
and recorded in Gainesville by Sunshine Broadcasting. I want to thank these local businesses for
their initiative in providing us with a genius way to get our message in front of such a diverse listening audience.
And for understanding that public awareness is vital for civic engagement.

Here's how it works. On Sunday, March 14 you can tune in and hear my interview on any of these 5 programs:

7 a.m. "The Buzz" 100.5 fm (rock alternative)
7:30 a.m. DVH 101.7 fm (classic country)
8:00 a.m. "80's, 90's whatever we want" 106.9 fm KZY
8:00 a.m. Magic" 101.3 fm (urban hip hop)
8:30 a.m. "Rejoice" 1430 am (religious)

Amazing!
So...how to offer information about who we are at Florida's Eden and what we're accomplishing, to such a diverse audience?
In a phrase, exploring common ground interests. During the past two years we've been out in so many communities
as part of putting together both the Heart of Florida and Pure Water Wilderness Guidebooks and building public awareness about
state's water challenges. We listened to our fellow citizens and we now know that every community wants the exact same things.

Everyone wants prosperous businesses in vibrant small towns and urban centers. We all want clean water and springs protection and we're willing to learn about beneficial conservation initiatives. We all know we need to reform our education system and we're embarrassed that Florida
always ends up at the bottom of those national indicator lists! We all want our children to stay in school and receive the skills they'll need to be competitive and find good jobs in the new 21st century workforce. We all want a better quality of life for the next generation and that includes preserving what we have here in North Florida. These are not bipartisan issues; these are common ground, non partisan issues.

I am always inspired when we partner to bring community leaders and organizations together to address these common challenges.
The stereotypes disappear as the room buzzes with connectivity and collaboration. Ideas, talent and resources are readily shared because
people everywhere want solution oriented leadership.

So Sunday morning, I hope you will tune in to hear me on one of these radio stations.
I'll be speaking about our Florida's Eden programs and what makes our regional and comprehensive approach so unique.

Florida's Eden is actively developing innovative solutions for our major challenges areas:
Economic development, Environmental and Education...the 3 Es.
Then, I hope you will join our ever growing Florida's Eden Voice by making sure you are a current member.
Renewing your membership now is vital to our Reaching 1000 members in 2010 Campaign Goal!
Please follow this link to renew or join....http://floridaseden.org/join/

Over the next few weeks I'll be blogging about our individual pioneering efforts.
Please read these messages to fully grasp how your membership is essential to our
expanding Florida's Eden Voice and engaging the powerful citizen role in solving our state's challenges.

Please forward this out to colleagues, friends and family!
Thanks Everyone and Happy Springtime.

Annie

Communicating Directly

2011-04-19T08:33:00.001-07:00

Greetings Everyone:

Lately I'm wishing for a more direct way to tell you all what's going on out there...from our unique view point.
Florida's Eden Stories...conversations with our region's true innovators.
I feel certain everyone will be amazed and vastly encouraged.
Perhaps one of you will underwrite a half hour radio program for me on public radio.

Its our believe that what ever we focus our attention upon will increase.
And so its essential that we approach even our challenges with positive energy
and view our model programs as already successful.

I love our pioneering 'can do' spirit. It serves us well.
We simply envision something better or reframe a new solution and then "walk into it."
Guiding us is the belief that everything we need to succeed is already present in our own backyard.
We each have some essential piece to contribute. Please consider your part.

This spring finds us readying ourselves for truly important accomplishments:

*Our Ichetucknee Classroom Education Model is ready for the national replication process.
This model will reframe how we think about education and place this region at an educational epicenter.

*A group of us are also reframing how to engage the entire state in a water conservation strategy.
One that will create a whole new ethic and transform our state's economy.

*More of us are exploring an innovative tech/culture economic focus closer to home.
We envision Gainesville offering this new model...as the central destination hub for a much larger region.

*We intend to reach our Florida's Eden 1000 member status this year. This tipping point number will ensure that
the people's ideas and common sense solutions are heard and implemented.

For almost a decade now, I've worked with countless people, listened to endless stories and spent
most of my time envisioning a future for this region which would value and utilize every asset we have and
allow us to emerge as the innovative and creative community we are. It's happening!

There are now over 600 of us. We are a positive force for change.
I invite you to come be with us this weekend as we offer information and share our vision and programs
with the public. We're setting up our booth in Architect, Billy Brame's front yard on NE 1st Street for the Spring Arts Festival.

PLEASE COME VOLUNTEER just A FEW HOURS OF YOUR TIME TO BE A PART OF THIS TRULY INSPIRING WEEKEND EVENT.
I truly need your help. Its fun and easy and inspiring.

Please contact me back...awpais@aol.com
Thanks Everyone.

Introducing The Blue Path

2011-04-19T08:32:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone:

As we all watch the Gulf disaster unfold, I'm even more committed to moving faster and more efficiently with our water awareness campaign.
A group of multi-talented people have been putting their expertise together to envision and present a new water conservation ethic for Florida
along with a built in plan to partner with Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.
Its called "The Blue Path."

"The Blue Path" envisions, inspires and engages everyone to participate and benefit from this new water ethic. Based upon a well conceived
conservation first strategy, it will be marketed through all channels to invite statewide participation across the board. Just like any major campaign;
it will have a logo, tag lines, a professional marketing campaign, contests, projects, exhibitions, conferences, media blitzing, web and social networking, PSAs and endorsements by major celebrities, books, music and arts events similar to "Farm Aid" etc, etc.
This is a big deal and is widely recognized as the best chance we have to make the vital solid impacts we desperately need for Florida's imminent springs/ground water challenges.
All the experts agree:
*We're seriously time sensitive. We have maybe 3-4 years tops/left to have a serious influence on the current impacts to our groundwater, to influence
decisions currently affecting our future water well being and to steer the course with our civic muscle.
*The scope of this and any effort must now be state and regional otherwise its pointless, due to what needs to happen and the acute time frame.
*A New Ethic is essential to offer the people of Florida, our commercial markets, corporations and our leadership a viable path which accomplishes much needed conservation measures while simultaneously showcasing and incorporating the profound economic benefits which will result.
*We have not the time nor the money to waste on confrontation or arbitration. The "water wars" mentality is dead in the water.
*This New Ethic, The Blue Path movement must be initiated by the People. When the People engage and command it...everyone will come to the table to participate including corporations and leadership. All major policy changes come out of grassroots movements. In a Democracy; leadership always follows the will and momentum of the People.
*Florida deserves a way to engage in the very solutions which will ensure her future water well being and economic prosperity. The Blue Path sets the bar high
commands Florida's intent to emerge as a leader among our nation's states.

The Blue Path To Prosperity is Florida's future course, directed, steered and carried by her people.
Its appropriate that The Blue Path was conceived and will be born here, in this uniquely rich place; the Planet's primary springs region.
I absolutely love The Blue Path's springs/ river metaphor. Our message is creative and clear:
"We're gathering the Headwaters of this movement here where the aquifer bubbles up, under pressure from its powerful source.
A WellSpring of ideas and energy is emerging to begin the momentum of this movement. The movement or flow will carry the message and build as it
travels to all parts of our state and region. Soon it will be transformed into a mighty river whose power will move mountains to bring its message home"

In the coming weeks The Blue Path will emerge publicly but as our Membership/Voice; you're hearing about it first.
Now you can see how vitally essential it is that you understand the role of building the Florida's Eden Membership Voice.
My campaign to reach 1000 Members asap is critical to the first strong stage of this movement.
Yes, we have the cooperation of the experts, yes we have the talent to create a professional campaign and begin to communicate the messages.
You, however are the source of the civic muscle. You are the first magnitude force to give this movement its start!
A strong, 1000 Members Voice will provide the necessary muscle we need to get the momentum flowing...and offer the People something viable to join.

Please Everyone...help us. Become current with your existing membership and bring in new members now. This is truly a People's non partisan effort.
Membership is affordable, $50. and easy. The benefits are many. Go to FloridasEden.org and click on Membership. Email me if you need help.

Now, here's my iPad tool update. A handful of you wrote back to contribute to the fund we've opened so Florida's Eden can purchase 2 new iPads, Cost: $1500.

Let me envision for you how the new iPad technology will accelerate and transform how we'll engage with public speaking.
The iPad allows for multi media applications in presentations. Its touch screen applications make presentations on the big screen creative, immediate, sensual, and dynamically efective. We can already see how new presentations will engage the public sooo much faster. We also finally see a way to creatively connect with young people, students and educators. The presentations we will create will revolutionize how we're communicating with everyone and offer us the distinct advantage of moving away from the norm and into the lead!!
PLEASE HELP US!!! We'll give you a special preview.

Email me personally.
Thanks for your ongoing and growing support.
Annie

Win a kayak and a blue "artesian" bowl

2011-04-19T08:31:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone:

Friday, May 28th from 7-10 during the Gainesville Downtown Art Walk- Florida's Eden will set up a white tent and booth in front of Randy Batista's Photography Gallery at 21 SE 2nd Place...near the Hippodrome State Theatre. You'll see us...we'll be the ones with the "Sunset" colored kayak tied to the booth!!
We're trying to give this kayak away! So, with summer upon us and all of those great rivers just beckoning...here's your last chance to win a kayak.

We're raffling the kayak for $1. a chance or 6 for $5.
We'll be picking the winner Friday evening at 10 pm. (although you don't have to be present to win.)
However, this is your last chance to buy tickets.
The money goes to support our water awareness campaign and our new project , The Blue Path.

The Kayak and paddle were donated by Lars Anderson at Adventure Outpost in High Springs on Hwy 441.
As you all know Lars leads many kayaking/canoe trips -so you can sign up with Lars to take your kayak on its inaugural run.

We're also raffling a gorgeous hand crafted glass "Artesian Bowl" by our friend and member, Jacqui Collett.
You have to see this bowl to fully appreciate it uniqueness.
Its large and has pieces of blue glass fused into it....it looks for all the world, like the springs do when sunlight reflects on the surface of the water.

Water is our theme, water defines us here in Florida and we need your help to take water awareness to an entirely new level.

This is the second Kayak we've raffled. To view the happy winner of the first kayak go to our website, www.FloridasEden.org
The next happy person posing with their new kayak could be YOU!!!
So Come to Art Walk and find us.
We need your support.

Many thanks and see you there.
Annie

Blue Path Headwaters in North Florida

2011-04-19T08:29:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

After a summer of designing and curating;
Florida's Eden is excited to announce
The Blue Path exhibition is officially on the wall as of tomorrow, Aug. 12th.
at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, Fl.
Below, please find the Museum's press release.

This concentrated exhibit serves as the well spring for an entire statewide grass roots campaign designed to
unite Floridians in an effort to find new ways of valuing and living with our water resources...
Florida's Blue Path.

Nothing could be more innovative and exciting, for the scary truth is this:
Florida's springs are degrading at an alarming rate as a direct result of our collective over pumping of the ground water and adding too many "nutrients" to the ground water. Simply put; our aquifer levels are going down so that there is less water and power underground resulting in reduced flow from the spring boils.
Here's the deal:
We have only 3-4 years left to impact the future of our beloved spings. That's the sobering reality.
What does this mean to our springs region, our state's water supply, our economy and most importantly;
how can we, the People of Florida, positively influence the future of Florida's water well being?
What's the real story? What's our role?

A think tank of scientists, educators, writers, film makers, visual communicators and springs experts have joined together to share knowledge and resources in order to find a new way to reach the public and the media with Florida's most important issue...our water resources. Since the old paradigm has failed to solve this growing problem, The Blue Path seeks to create a new paradign, a grass roots movement to directly engage Floridians to command our water well being. We believe..when they know what's going on... Floridians will join whole heartedly and do what needs to be done to solve our water problems.

The good news is this: We have the scientific knowledge, the expertise and we know what needs to be done. If we can all join together and act now; we still have a good chance to seriously impact our future.
So here we begin....

That this citizen movement finds it headwaters here in north Florida is only natural. We're the fresh water springs capital of the world, we're the state's knowlege hub and fast emerging as a leader in innovation. Our talent pool is deep and richly varied..an ecosystem where science is communicated through the arts and imagination becomes innovation through community connectivity.

I'm very excited to have the next 4-6 months to tell you the amazing stories from the Blue Path
and to help showcase efforts in our unique context...we are innovation on the Blue Path.
It all starts here...with the story of our springs.
We're all in this together....To participate contact me here.
See Ron Cunningham's column in Issues and Trends-in this Sunday's Gainesville Sun
and in Brad Rogers column in The Ocala Star Banner.
More soon. Annie

For Immediate Release:
Florida Museum ‘The Blue Path’ exhibit explores, promotes protection of state springs

Aug. 4, 2010

Media contact:
Leeann Bright
Communications Specialist, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
352-273-2028, lbright@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
PHOTOS AVAILABLE

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- The Florida Museum of Natural History presents its newest galleria exhibit “The Blue Path: Protecting Florida’s Springs” from Aug. 12 through Dec. 12.
Explore the state’s spring system and water cycle that shapes the landscape through photographs, paintings and displays by north central Florida’s top scientists artists, writers, filmmakers, and educators. The exhibit examines how everyday choices can either deplete and destroy or restore the state’s water supply. It is suitable for all ages and admission is free.
Coordinated by Florida’s Eden, a nonprofit citizen initiative dedicated to protecting Florida’s natural resources and building a sustainable and prosperous economy, the exhibit launches the Blue Path grassroots campaign to protect the state’s freshwater springs. The images and displays emphasize a “conservation first” strategy to preserving Florida’s valuable water resources.

“I am here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way. On the blue path, Floridians live within their water means, keeping as much water as possible in our aquifers, rivers and wetlands. It relies on us coming together as Floridians to use less, rather than fighting to grab more. And it is not only the ecologically ethical path, but a more prosperous path for Florida’s people and businesses.”
Cynthia Barnett, senior writer, Florida Trend

“We will only have legislation for springs and aquifer protection when we, the people of Florida embrace and command it. Period,” said Annie Pais, executive director of Florida’s Eden." We must unite to envision new ways of living with our water resources and create Florida's Blue Path. These can be exciting times where our state's economy finds new engines through innovation and invention. We and Florida deserve to lead the way, its ours to command. Come, bring your families to join the well spring of activity...on The Blue Path."

The exhibit is dedicated in honor of High Springs photographer Wes Skiles, who made a career of filming and photographing underwater caves and springs and died while diving off the Boynton Beach Inlet in July. The exhibit includes one of Skiles’ amazing photographs of the aquifer. “Through his photographs and films he took us places we didn’t know existed,” Pais said "The best tribute we can make to his legacy is to share and continue his work. We will be showing his films during the fall as a part of this exhibit."

Florida’s Eden hopes to travel the exhibit across Florida and bring attention to the Blue Path campaign.
Beginning August 12th find more information at www.FloridasEden.org
or contact Annie Pais at awpais@aol.com or 352-377-0777

The Florida Museum of Natural History, Florida's state natural history museum, is dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. The museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $10.50 for adults ($9 Fla. residents) and $6 for children ages 3-17. Prices are subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-846-2000.

Florida's Eden has designed The Blue Path exhibit as the anchor for promoting 8 months of regional water related events and programming. Paddle Florida is an excellent example! We're creating the Blue Path Program Guide to give the public and the media easy access to find your event. There will be an online and a print version soon. Copies will be available, free to Museum visitors beginning Aug 24th.

Yes, I've been painting -- come and see

2011-04-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

Greetings All:

The one question I hear more than any other as I'm out there at meetings, events and just going about everyday business...isn't even about Florida's Eden.

Its this, "Are you still painting?" followed by..."I hope so."

The answer is Yes!

And this weekend is my annual open studio.

Please stop by, say hi and check out the new work.

Jacqui Collett will have a few of her wonderful glass bowls

for sale too...come early for those as they're snatched up almost immediately.

Thank you to all who have followed my painting career for the past 30 years!

Painting is the core of who I am...I love it like nothing else.

I hope you'll come share your love of art with me.

Annie

A percentage of sales will be donated to Florida's Eden.

Education on The Blue Path

2011-04-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone:

We've had many, many great experiences with groups sharing The Blue Path exhibition at the Museum of Natural History. Here we are with our "Ichetucknee Classroom " education model partners, Fort White Middle/High School when they took a recent field trip to see the show.

Florida's Eden member/educator, Johnny Dame entertained as only he can-

and wove music, activism, story telling and art into a inspiring seminar about our springs and our state's geography.

It was fabulous.

Of course these lucky children are part of our model, place based education program and in this case- their place is the Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

The kids actually have classes at the Park and are smart advocates for conservation and springs awareness!

The show is up through Feb. 13th. PLEASE take someone and go see it while you can! Visit TheBluePath.org to view our online, flip page, springs program guide where you'll discover 100+ things to see and do!

Enjoy and spread the word.

Annie

Tribute to Wes Skiles in support of The Blue Path

2011-04-19T08:14:00.001-07:00

Wednesday was one of those rare days you dream about.

It was jam packed with emotions-
and served many as the culmination of months of high creativity,
hard work, joys and grief. It was a home coming, a Hollywood coming
and the sparking of new important beginnings.

250 people came together to celebrate Wes Skiles and pay tribute to his life,
his work, his passions and his unique leadership. "Cavers" flew in from all over
to hang out for a while in Wes' back yard- our Earth's primary constellation of fresh water springs...and the fresh water cave diving center of the world.

The world's best shared harrowing stories even as we watched an advanced screening of Sanctum - James Cameron's latest 3D blockbuster, epic film about cavers whose expedition is devastated by a terrible storm which traps them underground.

The movie's writer/producer, Andrew Wight flew in directly from the L.A. premiere- to spend some time back here-his first visit since Wes died during an underwater filming trip off the Florida Atlantic coast last July. He came to be with the Skiles family, to see his fellow explorers and to watch the movie with us.

Sanctum is based upon a true story. Wes, his wife Terri, Andrew and
several others were on an expedition to the Nullarbor Plain in the Australian desert.
They had repelled down a small hole in the Earth to dive, explore and film the very remote cave system. All of this was normal for Wes who traveled and explored the entire planet's oceans and caves- frequently working for National Geographic.

On the final day of this expedition, a freak storm with hurricane force winds dumped 2 years worth of rain on the desert location- and with no where to go- the water went down the hole like a drain. It collapsed the cave system entombing many of the party including Wes far, far below.

For two days those on top, including Terri Skiles had no way of knowing if anyone had survived.
The storm had also destroyed the "topside" camp as well and left everyone shaken.
Indeed those below had been spared. In typical Wes fashion; he gathered what little camera equipment survived and and recorded their heroic escape.

Amazingly, those on top and those below began to make their way toward each other
and eventually made contact, then climbed out one at a time to safety.
Newspapers heralded their miraculous escape in headlines around the world.
It was a major incident- back in 1988.

Those twists of fate led the group to write, initiate and eventually interest Cameron in the story.
And indeed, Cameron, Wight and Skiles made an astounding 12 minute 3D film here, in Ginnie Springs to pitch the idea to Universal Pictures, who produced the movie which became Sanctum.

Of course then Wes died and Andrew dedicated the movie to him.

We spent the day with Andrew, and in the evening everyone came together at my house
to socialize before the screening.

There were also many stories about the decades of work to educate
political leaders and developers about protecting the springs and the interconnected Karst topography through which our drinking water- the Floridan Aquifer flows. And laments about how many films, groups, and legislative sessions into which the hard work of enacting potential legislation turned futile and frustrating...failing year after year.

And so, in Wes' name and to honor and further his life's work here in his beloved springs-
the money raised by the screening was donated to us- for the newly formed Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute and The Blue Path Campaign, our coalition Wes joined not long before he died.

Andrew met us at The Blue Path exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History and talked with us about goals to engage Floridians to learn about and value our state's remarkable water resources. He listened to our plans, offered helpful suggestions, dramatically encouraged us to ramp up our efforts and by the time he left-after a fast 24 hours- we felt we'd made a new friend and colleague.

We would due well to value the dive community and I will be working closer with them from now on. I've learned so much from them- They've literally showed us what's happening underground,
they've done the research and die tracings proving that the water is all connected and how our behaviors are fouling and squandering our prime economic resource, they also know the global community and are sharing with us about a silent tourism market- groups of divers coming here to explore our fresh water springs system from many countries.

I keep evolving as I learn more and more- and I'm now running to keep up with the knowledge and the time sensitive need to engage our state to understand that- just as the water is all connected underground; we're all connected in our need to value and live very differently with our water. We have the Earth's prime resource and we're literally squandering it and draining it off...Its the definition of short sighted ignorance and yes, greed.

Please help us. The Blue Path comes down next weekend...Feb. 13th is its last day at the FMNH. Please go see it if you haven't already. And then send us whatever you can to help us raise the money to create a mobile exhibit which will travel to Jacksonville and the I-4 corridor
to raise awareness and inspire all Floridians to join The Blue Path.

I'll write about our vision for the traveling exhibit next.
It truly is up to us....Thank you all.
Annie

www.TheBluePath.org

Support Savvy Arts-based Economies, and Save Florida Springs!

2011-04-19T08:11:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone:

Friday I spent the day in Melrose, our charming, historic hamlet community on Lake Santa Fe. I was treated to a tour of arts venues, and amazing lakeside vistas- enjoyed from graceful, meandering scenic drives, weaving their way through clusters of grandfather, live oaks and rows of stately palms... through entire neighborhoods of handsome homes from the turn of the last century, all decked out in the sweet, fragrant colors of our southern springtime.

A heady, sensual feast.

Melrose "has it going on." The leaders of the town's various venues have smartly pulled their vision and energies together to focus on the town's cultural economy.

Its smart and savvy. Florida's Eden applauds and supports their hard work.

When they asked if we'd be the beneficiaries of this year's Melrose Open Air Arts event- I was more than honored, because what's going on in Melrose is a prime example of what north Florida communities can achieve.

I'm writing to ask for your participation.

Here's an opportunity to support Saving Our Springs through contributions to

The Blue Path grassroots campaign while helping Melrose to define itself as a model arts town, pioneering a cultural economy. Wow! And you go home with a great painting of your choice and stories to share!

Harriet Huss, Anne Gilroy and Keith Bollum have devoted themselves to this project- a creative, labor of love, to put it mildly. The program outlined below is easy and rewarding.

You pledge to purchase a painting of your choice, produced during the upcoming event. Pledges start at a very affordable $100. You're invited to come hang out with painters and musicians during the weekend of March 25-27th as they "take over the heritage neighborhoods and paint the town."

You're purchase award pledge just means you'll find the painting of your choice

at some point- and includes a complimentary ticket (valued at $25.00) to the Patron Preview Party, Friday April 1st where you'll be given a first opportunity to select from the "harvest" of works produced during the painting event. Of course wetrooms will be open during the week and sales can also happen spontaneously right off the easels! You can even support a favorite artist from the 62 featured painters. Its a win, win, win.

I just want to add- this town knows how to throw a party. So we can only imagine how great this week and evening Patron event will be!

I urge you to participate. Supporting this purchase awards program provides the event with a patron base. Its your way of joining the town and painters as champions of the arts and add your voice to endorse arts based economies.

And a significant portion of your patronage will be donated to help us carry out the next stages of The Blue Path Campaign. We're currently designing The Blue Path traveling exhibition, planning a statewide water symposium and working with creatives on projects designed to engage the public and the media- so we can accomplish critical, springs protection and enact statewide, conservation first strategies.

Please join this worthy effort, pass this invitation on to three supportive friends,

And then come have an incredible week with us in Melrose.

I thank you.

Annie Pais

Executive Director

www.FloridasEden.org

TheBluePath.org

GTN Anchors from a Dock in Melrose

2011-04-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody!

I'm about to jump in the car and head out to heavenly Melrose for the first public day of the Open Air Arts event! We did a fun interview with MyGTN TV yesterday when Myra Monroe- anchored the weekend news from a windy dock overlooking Melrose Bay. It was terrific and energized!

Myra is delightful- she was raised here, a Gainesville girl and has a huge interest in this endeavor to grow our creative economy and engage Floridians with projects like The Blue Path. You can catch our/her program at the following times during the weekend- see below.

I just want to add- Myra and GTN have a lot of energy for discovering and communicating the meaningful stories which we're trying to tell. They are competing with TV20- ABC news which has become so uninteresting; largely feeding us a combo of police beat and cheezy, cultural crap. I can hardly watch it. These smart young reporters at GTN- plus Ilene Silverman as their bonafide and informed cultural reporter- is shaping up to be the local channel to watch- we encourage you to switch and give it a try.

See you in Melrose, today through Sunday.

Oh, and there are TVs in Blue Water Bay and the town's new sports bar- so the basketball games are only a few steps away!! Congrats and go Gators!

Come support everything we love about our Florida's Eden on this perfectly magical weekend.

Thanks ahead of time to all our fabulous members who volunteered to hang out with us...you're the Best!

Annie

Last Night was a Hoot

2011-04-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Everyone:
Last night in Melrose was...a hoot!
First of all I was amazed at the attendance of the Patron Preview event...which was double what I had
even hoped for. Harriet- you rock! You managed to bring in a huge crowd of buyers. It was so much fun to watch people hunt for their favorite paintings- with their purchase award envelopes in hand.
It was a blast to share conversations with them as they struggled to choose between their favorites.

Thank you Melrose.
I remembered this week why I love paintouts! The spontaneity is infectious and everyone catches the creative energy buzz! Its the total package, feel good event. Someone should bottle this- its the antidote for "the same old same old"....so much better than a pill!

And, even though you may have had a conflict or been out of town-
here's the best news of all- You have one more chance to come have the experience for yourself!
Consider this the last call for this incredibly successful week.

Drive on out to Melrose- even the drive is fabulous at this time of the year!
Tonight from 6pm-till 10 pm. you can experience the last Open Air Arts-Gala Sale event.
Tonight too, Melrose is rocking out with events at all its venues!
The town is having one of its famous blow out celebrations.
Come catch the creative buzz- there will be visual arts, music, dancing and more-
plus a sunset over the bay and sweet, springtime air all around.

Somehow, there are still paintings for sale too!
Come see us too- we have The Blue Path information tables
and an emotional postcard campaign going on to Save the Florida Springs!!
Come-you'll be happy you did!
I promise.
Annie

Melrose in Magical March

2011-03-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody!

I just want to add that Myra and GTN have a lot of energy for discovering and communicating the meaningful stories which we're trying to tell. They are competing with TV20- ABC news which has become so uninteresting; largely feeding us a combo of police beat and cheezy, cultural crap. I can hardly watch it. These smart young reporters at GTN, plus Ilene Silverman as their bonafide and informed cultural reporter, are shaping up to be the local channel to watch. We encourage you to switch and give it a try.

See you in Melrose, today through Sunday.

Oh, and there are TVs in Blue Water Bay and the town's new sports bar, so the basketball games are only a few steps away!! Congrats and go Gators!

Also in Melrose in Sunday, the cyclists from BikeFlorida's Spring Tour whiz into town and the two events converge: cyclists and art! The BikeFlorida event continues throughout the week. The next weekend on Friday and Saturday are the two Open Air Arts parties in Melrose: come buy a photo and a painting and support The Blue Path!!!

Come support everything we love about our Florida's Eden on this perfectly magical weekend.

Thanks ahead of time to all our fabulous members who volunteered to hang out with us...you're the Best!

Annie

Melrose Open Air Arts

2011-03-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Open publication

Hello Everyone:

A heady, sensual feast.

Melrose "has it going on." The leaders of the town's various venues have smartly pulled their vision and energies together to focus on the town's cultural economy.

Its smart and savvy. Florida's Eden applauds and supports their hard work.

I'm writing to ask for your participation.

Here's an opportunity to support Saving Our Springs through contributions to

The Blue Path grassroots campaign while helping Melrose to define itself as a model arts town, pioneering a cultural economy. Wow! And you go home with a great painting of your choice and stories to share!

Harriet Huss, Anne Gilroy and Keith Bollum have devoted themselves to this project- a creative, labor of love, to put it mildly. The program outlined below is easy and rewarding.

You're purchase award pledge just means you'll find the painting of your choice

at some point- and include 2 complimentary tickets (valued at $50.00) to the Patron Preview Party, Friday April 1st where you'll be given a first opportunity to select from the "harvest" of works produced during the painting event. Of course wetrooms will be open during the week and sales can also happen spontaneously right off the easels! You can even support a favorite artist from the 62 featured painters. Its a win, win, win.

I just want to add- this town knows how to throw a party. So we can only imagine how great this week and evening Patron event will be!

And a significant portion of your patronage will be donated to help us carry out the next stages of The Blue Path Campaign. We're currently designing The Blue Path traveling exhibition, planning a statewide water symposium and working with creatives on projects designed to engage the public and the media- so we can accomplish critical, springs protection and enact statewide, conservation first strategies.

Please join this worthy effort, pass this invitation on to three supportive friends,

And then come have an incredible week with us in Melrose.

I thank you.

Annie Pais

Executive Director

www.FloridasEden.org

TheBluePath.org

From the Coordinators of Melrose Open Air Arts

Dear Friend of the Arts & Environment in North Florida,

Open Air Arts, Melrose Annual Spring Art Festival begins the weekend of

March 25th- March 27th when 62 award winning, local and regional artists will gather for a week of fellowship and creativity. Our selected Beneficiary this year is

The Blue Path, www.TheBluePath.org, Florida's Eden's important campaign to Save Florida's Springs from further degradation.

We invite you to participate in our 5th Annual Purchase Award Program to support this urgent and worthwhile cause!

What is a Purchase Award?   Our Open Air Arts Purchase Award is a mechanism which allows businesses and individuals to support The Blue Path and also to reward excellence in art by purchasing artwork for their collection.

How does it work?  You commit to an amount of purchase. Awards begin at $100 and can increase to any amount you wish. If you wish to select a piece that is more than the pledge you have made, you simply pay the difference. With our talented group of artists, we expect over 200 works of art representing a wide range of prices at our exhibition.

To thank you in return,  we have created an event just for you and our other Donors.   Purchase Award Sponsors are given two FREE TICKETS worth $25 each, a $50 value, to our VIP Collector's Preview Reception, Friday evening April 1st, 7-10pm.   You will then select the work you wish to award with a purchase. You can see the shows in a relaxed atmosphere before the crowds and pick out a piece for your collection. It will be a lovely evening with live music and wine and food catered by Blue Water Bay restaurant. If you wish to leave the artwork for others to see, your name or business name can be listed on a certificate that will be posted next to the artwork.

In addition, all Purchase Award Sponsors will be identified on a roster which will be hung in each of the Galleries through April.

The deadline to commit to giving a Purchase Award is March 28, 2011. If you are interested please fill out the attached form and send with your check made out to:   Melrose Bay Art Association for the value of the award and mail to: Open Air Arts, POB 116, Melrose, FL 32666.

Your support benefits both the art community of North Florida as well as The Blue Path and is deeply appreciated!

Harriet Huss, Open Air Arts Director
Keith Bollum, Bellamy Road Fine Arts, Director
Anne Gilroy, Melrose Bay Art Gallery, Director

Ride to Save Florida Springs

2011-02-25T08:27:00.001-08:00

Bike Florida is coming to Gainesville and Alachua County

You can Join 'Team Florida's Eden' and ride to Save Florida Springs!

Happy Springtime Everybody:

In a few weeks Bike Florida is bringing their annual week long event

to home-base in and shine a spotlight on Gainesville and Alachua County.

Each year they move their major spring time cycling tour to a new place

in the state and showcase that area's natural and cultural treasures.

This year they came to us and asked us to partner.

They expressed a huge interest in the perilous plight

of the Florida Springs and our grass roots effort, The Blue Path Campaign.

Then they honored our work by naming this year's event:

The Florida's Eden Spring Tour! Its happening March 26- April 1.

We saw a huge opportunity to raise some much needed funds to

move The Blue Path Campaign forward so-We formed a Charity Ride.

You can Join Team Florida's Eden and ride to Save the Florida Springs!

Its easy. Just click on this link and follow the simple process.

http://floridaseden.org/

*The ride itself is fully supported which means-

all levels of experience are welcome. Whether you're a total beginner

or a seasoned cyclist; your every need will be cared for- I promise.

*You can choose how many days you want to ride- from a single day to the full week.

*Join Team Florida's Eden and we'll also add to your ride by giving you additional treats

all along the way. We'll introduce you to our region's cultural ambassadors and meet with you ourselves in several locations.

*You can set your own fundraising goals and as you'll see; we've created a simple, effective way

for you to contact your family, friends and colleagues to share your enthusiasm and ask them to support your challenge and this worth cause.

Please help us make this a wildly successful week long event by participating in one of three ways:

1. Join the team and participate. You can even raise money and have fun as a non-rider!

2. Pass this along to everyone on your email lists, post it on Facebook, in social media sites etc.

3. Organize a group ride at work or church! We're encouraging friendly competitions among staffs, civic groups and church communities.

The springs are in terrible trouble.

Everyone agrees that the only hope to turn this disaster around within the next 3 years-

is to go back to the

People with a grassroots effort- The Blue Path.

The mission of The Blue Path is to engage all Floridians to learn more about and value our water resources in a whole new way,

inspiring innovative, conservation first strategies that use less water, recharge the aquifer and eliminate the senseless "nutrients" that are so damaging to our drinking water.

For more springs information click here: TheBluePath.org

This Ride is a way to really make a personal difference.

Help us reach several hundred people who want to

have a rewarding experience and help Save the Florida Springs!

Thanks All.

Please forward this to your contacts!

Annie

‘Blue Path’ exhibit extended at Florida Museum of Natural History

2011-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

Bill Dean has written about The Blue Path Exhibit in the January 5th edition of the Gainesville Sun. Check it out, then come see the exhibit, now through February 13, 2011.

North Florida has the potential to be a prime travel destination for ‘aware visitors'

2010-12-28T06:38:00.001-08:00

This entry by Annie Pais was published on the op-ed page of the Gainesville Sun on December 26. To view it online click here. See the companion pieces by Herb Hiller and Ron Cunningham.

North Florida has all the ingredients to be a prime travel destination by tapping the global market and attracting "aware visitors."

There are major shifts in how, when and where we travel. Fantasy theme parks still bring in revenue, but the dominance of these markets is steadily declining, and state leaders know it.

What are vacationers seeking now?

How about kayaking down a pristine river in the morning, discovering a local small-town cafe, checking out artist studios in the afternoon before catching an urban, evening performance?

Today's traveler is likely to be taking a few short trips a year rather than one mega-vacation. She may check up to 22 websites, contact friends on Facebook, send out some e-mails and comparison shop consumer reviews before making a single travel booking.

And, yes, women make most travel decisions.

The five fastest-growing tourism genres also happen to be strongest in North Florida: eco-nature-based, culture, heritage, culinary, and romance.

Niche travel is popular but today's travelers combine multiple interests. In the end, everyone wants to go home with stories about how they got off the generic, commercially beaten track and discovered something unique and wonderful!

North Florida's prime economic assets are a delightful mix of urban culture, authentic small towns, and wilderness areas; not to mention the largest constellation of freshwater springs in the world. These assets are linked with the best system of hiking, biking, paddling and horse-riding trails in the country.

Model land conservation programs are preserving important wildlife corridors and our state parks are the only two-time gold award parks in the nation.

This new tourism offers an opportunity for North Florida to lead the way as the state adapts to changes in the economy. Let's examine what needs to be done to capitalize on this fresh economic opportunity.

In this age of smart phones, apps and tech devices the aware visitor rules. Traditional advertising, word of mouth and social media have converged. You have to be authentic or word travels fast! This tells us as much about quality of life as it does about marketing. To be a great visitor destination we must be a great place to live.

"Conservation first" must be the very foundation of our economic strategy. Travelers are searching the world for first-hand natural and cultural experiences. They'll know if a community is caring for its land, water, and energy in sustainable and innovative ways.

If we don't care about where we live, travelers won't either. We have natural resources in abundance, but our leaders are still failing to value and protect them.

Case in point: Our freshwater springs are experiencing rapid decline, and we're failing to prioritize them. We're squandering our prime business assets and savvy, aware travelers are already spreading the word.

Travelers want an authentic experience. They want to go where the locals go. This translates into a growing local economy, but there's work to be done to make it happen.

We have trails galore but until the visitors, trails and local businesses are seamlessly connected, the investment in infrastructure will not translate into solid economic gains.

North Florida is wealthy beyond measure in natural and cultural resources. We don't have to invent anything. Baby boomers and young people alike are driving the market with very clear demands. Businesses will thrive when they deliver the expertise, knowledge and services that give people an amazing, authentic North Florida experience ... period.

Understanding the ways in which travel has evolved is key to forging a prosperous, blue path for North Florida, a path that will attract attention and serve as a template for the rest of the state and nation.

Smart growth identifies, preserves and enhances core, sustainable economic assets. Businesses, communities, educational institutions and economic planners are increasingly aware that what is good for the environment is good for visitors, residents and the economy!

Florida's Eden Favorite Holiday Food, Treasures & Treats

2010-11-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

Melrose Holiday Dec. 11th . . . the whole town celebrates with local food, unique artisans, and a parade, with floats, and puppets, plus the three Galleries are open too!

Cane grinds and boils happen at both Deerfield Farm (call 352-472-1142 for times and directions) and Dudley Farm. A kids "must see." This happens the first Saturday in December and signals the start of our winter season for me, as it frequently happens to coincide with the return of the sandhill cranes.

WHILE YOU'RE READING: Consider a year-end donation to Florida's Eden. Read all about the last year's accomplishments!

Youth Fiddle and Open-string Band Contest at the Cane Boil. Morningside Nature Center, Gainesville. Saturday, November 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (This event has now passed, but Morningside Nature Center is still a great place to spend a morning or an afternoon).

Micanopy: Mosswood Store, the antique stores deck themselves out with window displays and the crown jewel is the Herlong Mansion. Southern charm the way it used to be...is still happening in Micanopy. Eat supper at Blue Highway after you shop and then take a slow stroll or cruise through after dark for a magical light show...

Evinston: The Evinston Post Office is on a lot of people's traditional list of things to do to put one in the holiday spirit! It's a time warp with some quirky twists. Fun and while you're there get as much of Freddie's veggies as you can carry...trust me.

McIntosh: There is something so old about McIntosh. Historic and reeking with our cultural heritage and the breathtaking high view from our beloved Orange Lake Overlook. Stop in and say hi to Photographer, Sean Dowie at The Windmill Gallery and then check out The Ice House Gallery and the printmaking and furniture making behind the gallery too! There a lot happening
in this neck of the woods. I hear the little jewelry store has some great finds too.

Cranes Cradle Conserve: No one does it better than CCC for its local produce and farm products and workshops. Simply a fine experience and great stocking presents too.
We'll send out their holiday flier later to give specifics or call them up to hear what's happening.

High Springs: High Springs is our outfitter town and the true gateway to our closest springs.
The springs are a beautiful way to spend a vacation or weekend day. Adventure Outpost
will even be your guide for equipment or tours. Blue, Ginnie and the Ichetucknee are all a few miles away. Then stop in at The Great Outdoors Cafe and ask to sit on the patio where, if its cold, you can snuggle with a warming drink and some nourishment...and chat about how amazing we have it here in Florida's Eden.

The Levy County Quilt Museum: Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and continuing for 10 terrific days; This amazing place is the destination central. Ok so first you have to find it...but that's part of the fun! (Hint, page 59 of our online Guide: floridaseden.org/pww) We promise, you've never seen anything quite like it...and take family and friends as they will love you for it. There are scads of handmade quilts for very reasonable prices and each comes with a story. If your thinking about a very unique gift for someone you love; this may just be my favorite choice. What better present than to give your loved one a beautifully crafted quilt made with expert fingers over loving hours....the only thing that's better is to take the loved one and let her/him pick!

Cedar Key Stone Crabs are one of our family traditional feasts. You can pick them up in town at Northwest Seafood or better still...pile everyone in the car and head for our keys...Cedar Key!
While you're there hunting down stone crabs...stop in at Tony's for a bowl of the now famous World's Best Clam Chowder. I heard he won that contest again! Cedar Key is the perfect walking culinary tour town for foodies. Start at one end and you can hit each establishment's signature dish. Yum. Oh and there are great boat tours too.

Mayport Shrimp, from Florida's Atlantic coast, available at many of the area's Farmer's Markets.

Fiddler's in Steinhatchee, Florida. The long scenic drive to the Gulf is just one of the attractions of this hidden Florida seacoast village.

For recipes, food lore and a long list of Farmer's Markets, visit Hogtown Homegrown. This amazing online resource is brimming with more good flavors than you can believe. Be sure to click on the Newsletters link at left and read the current Holiday issue.

Eco/Eco: The Ecology of an Economy

2010-10-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone:

In my world, I'm working to merge our environmental and economic well being. For months I've been exploring what I call "ECO-ECO" -- the Ecology of an Economy.

I love this concept for all kinds of reasons. Taking an ecological focus brings a whole inter-connectivity to economic development.
As Howard Odum* taught us; systems ecology begins with the concept of wholeness. The health and vibrancy of everything is interdependent. So validating and connecting each individual economic sector will strengthen our entire economic eco-system. Simple in concept, yet profound in application! I invite you to consider this concept and your essential part/roles in it.

"ECO-ECO" begins with the working premise: Everything we need to succeed is already present in our own "economic backyard."

Our leading economic assets are our place and the amazing talent residing here. We really do have all of the elements to fully become one of the most exciting hot spots in the nation and in the world. Experts and media polls affirm this observation. Personally, I love the Richard Florida prediction that Gainesville is on track to become a creative economic force, offering high paying jobs and a leading creative environment to attract and produce cultural and tech businesses.

This is nothing new coming from Richard Florida, who made his first predictions about Gainesville as a creative economic hub in 2002 with the publication of "The Rise of the Creative Class" and again in 2004 when he came here. During that visit, he sought out Florida's Eden and formally endorsed our Florida's Eden Comprehensive Plan, predicting that it would become a global model. It seems our plan is unique in its ability to avoid all of the common pitfalls ailing even the biggest creative economic efforts. Why??

I can now tell you why. Because our Florida's Eden Comprehensive Plan takes an ecological approach to economic development. In our view everyone has an equally important role, everything is interconnected and everyone is validated for what they do best. This economic ecosystem functions without pitfalls because it operates w-holistically.

I intend to make this an introduction for a series of short pieces outlining HOW our creative economic ecosystem works and how we can champion all 12 creative economic sectors and function together like a well-oiled economic engine, or as a healthy economic ecosystem! ECO-ECO! I love it.

Annie Pais

_________

*Howard Odum carried out the first complete study of an eco-system at Silver Springs, Florida, and founded the discipline of systems ecology. Florida's Eden recently named the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute in honor of this pioneer. The new institute will serve as a public resource to monitor springs health, coordinate efforts and disseminate information.

According to Richard Florida, Gainesville is on track to have the largest increase among all US cities in well-paying creative and knowledge-based jobs, with a projected 17.7 percent increase.

The Blue Path: Springs or Sod? Our Choice

2010-08-23T14:54:00.001-07:00

Dear All:

The first week of The Blue Path exhibition has been a whirlwind of activity.
The response has been unlike anything we've ever experienced.
People recognize that solving our state's water challenges is the #1 issue we face as Floridians.
People are enthusiastic about learning what this means for them and what they need to do.

The Blue Path tells the short version of the story on a 40' wall at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Please bring everyone you know to the Museum and discover Florida's Blue Path.
Below is the current press release. You'll also see that we've opened www.TheBluePath.org
This is where we'll begin to build The Blue Path Citizen Campaign and gather support for this grass roots movement
"to envision new ways of valuing and living with our water resources."

The Blue Path Exhibition
Florida Museum of Natural History
Gainesville, Fl.

August 12 through spring 2011

Contact:
Annie Pais, Executive Director, Florida's Eden
awpais@aol.com
352-377-0777

The Blue Path provides visitors a view of Florida's water through the
window of North Florida's freshwater springs. This region is home to
more springs--over 700 discovered so far--than any other place on the
planet. The exhibit examines how degradation of Florida springs
signals much bigger problems with the hidden aquifer that flows right
beneath our feet. Combining science and art, this show engages
visitors to ponder changes in our water systems and how they might
effect the future of Florida's economic and environmental well being.
In the second half of the Museum display, citizens are invited to
envision new ways of living with water through the themes "collect,
reclaim, conserve and recharge."

The exhibition is on view now until spring 2011 and serves as the
anchor for the Blue Path Campaign initiated by the non-profit
organization Florida's Eden. Related events and programs will take
place through spring of 2011. Check online for a full range of
programs and activities to entertain and inform folks of all ages. The
Blue Path <www.TheBluePath.org> provides a full listing of programs
including guided tours of springs and rivers, Florida Friendly Yard-landscaping workshops,
cultural events, educational forums, contests, a paintout in the Melrose lakes community
and the Florida's Eden Spring Bicycle Tour hosted by BikeFlorida.

The exhibit is already attracting hundreds of visitors and positive
media attention. Read Ron Cunningham's op-ed piece in the Gainesville
Sun: The Blue Path: Florida's Water Miracle
<http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100815/COLUMNISTS/100819721?p=2&tc=pg&tc=ar>

The skinny on what's happening with the springs goes like this:
Our springs are dying...quickly. Our spring fed rivers, like our beloved Ichetucknee River are dying.
The degradation of the springs and spring fed rivers is accelerating at an alarming rate.

We only have about three years, starting right now...to influence the outcome of our springs. Very sobering news.
Will we let them die?

Why is this happening?
In a nut shell; we Floridians get our water from the aquifer/ground water.
They're dying because we're over tapping our aquifer and not recharging it enough.
That means we're pulling too much out and not putting enough back in...
so the aquifer is going down lower and the more populated areas are pulling water from further away.

"Springs are the canaries in the watery coal mine."
Springs happen because the force of the aquifer, underground pushes water up through the openings in our swiss cheese-like limerock.(Karst topography)
When the aquifer goes down too far; there simply isn't the water or force to create springs boils. Their flow is diminished until it stops.

The other thing we're doing is putting too many "nutrients" into the groundwater. These include pesticides, fertilizers and septic waste...among other things.
These "nutrients" combined with lower groundwater and less spring boil creates a gross imbalance in both the springs and spring fed rivers.
The imbalance causes all kinds of things to happen...ie; brown algae coats the once green eel grass etc, etc. the once clear, blue springs are now cloudy and green.

Fanning Springs is no longer a first magnitude spring...having lost much of its power. The Rainbow, Ichetucknee, and Silver are in serious trouble...as are most of the springs and rivers in our springs region.

Where's the State?
The State has cut almost all of the funding to monitor the springs. They slashed the Springs Initiative budget by 80% this year alone.
The legislature refuses to stand up and prioritize springs/aquifer protection.
Special interest agendas are simply too powerful and control outcomes.
While Floridians are using less water per capita now than a few years ago...we're still using way too much and we don't yet understand how to change our behaviors.

We also don't understand our citizen role in commanding policy changes on the state level. This is because civics was removed from our education system!
We need to command our legislature to put relevant civics back into education so we can learn our role in how a democracy even works.
Right now we've simply forgotten or never learned how our democracy functions...especially our role in it.

What needs to happen quickly in the next 3 years?
1. We must realize that this is up to us...the state isn't coming.
2. We must get a clear picture of how we use water and what behaviors need to change first.
3. We must unite in our efforts and command the future of our water well being...we control the outcome, not special interest.
4. We must envision these creative solutions together so that we're empowered and stronger as a people.

What are the biggest culprits? What's sucking up our water?
Some of the culprits are commercial/agriculture, power plants and large factories.
That's part of the story and changing how these entities use water is critical.

However we Floridians are the other half of the problem.
So what about residential water use?
In a word....SOD.
It can really be condensed into this bumper sticker:
Springs or Sod? Its our choice.

So you will see a lot of information, workshops, talks etc on TheBluePath.org
It all starts here and now.
Jump in, and become part of the solution.

Annie