My Journey in Florida's State Parks: A Naturalist's Memoir - Softcover

Stevenson, Jim A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1499766009 ISBN 13: 9781499766004

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014

Synopsis

This memoir is a chronicle of over two decades of Florida state parks history, and a philosophy of park management interwoven with humorous stories. It relates some of the behind the scenes and previously unrecorded accounts of the protection and management of one of the superb state park systems in the nation. It reveals the common sense endeavors and achievements of a dedicated cadre of naturalists, rangers, managers and administrators who elevated stewardship of Florida’s state parks to a high level.

About this title

About the Author

Jim A. Stevenson spent his career studying natural history and implementing ecological restoration and resource management in Florida’s diverse natural areas. Park interpretation was his means of informing the public and building support for saving the state parks and springs. Prescribed burning, feral hog removal and exotic plant control were restoration priorities that he promoted. Jim was also in the forefront interpreting Florida’s fascinating cultural history through training park rangers and coordinating living history at forts, battlefields and other historic sites. He gave hundreds of programs and tours during his 38 year career and was a popular public speaker. He received numerous awards most notably the Florida governor and cabinet designated the “Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year Award that is given annually to the top resource managers in the Florida Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Division of Forestry. The state of Florida also named a large spring on the Suwannee River “Stevenson Spring.” Jim’s memoir provides humorous stories and essays of his 24 years in the Florida state park system serving as a park ranger and chief naturalist. His philosophy of park management and identifying the threats to the natural and cultural values of the parks give added importance to this book.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1499766009
• ISBN 13: 9781499766004
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 196