Archbold Reserve & Biological Station ~ 2014
/Photographing the environment along the 'ridge' of Florida is something Clyde and I had wanted to do for a long time. The environment is so different than most of Florida. The 'ridge' has been above water for millions of years. It is one of the oldest geological areas of Florida and consists mostly of scrub.
But, there is another reason that we wanted to photograph the ridge. Clyde's great, great, great Uncle Ferdinand Ignatius Xavier Rugell came to the 'ridge' of Florida to study the flora in 1843 and again in 1847. He collected hundreds of plants, many of which have his name attached to them as rugellii. The collection is in the Smithsonian.
Clyde with Hilary Swain, Director of Archbold Reserve & Biological Station
Today the majority of that 'ridge' is covered in orange groves; however, Archbold Reserve & Biological Station owns a large section. Clyde called the Director of the Reserve, Hilary Swain, and asked her if he could do some photography on the Reserve. She graciously agreed and even provided us with a couple of scientists as guides. It was a great experience. Archbold is open to the public, so the next time you're in the area, drop in and enjoy.
Clyde with Reed Bowman, Research Director, Avian Ecology.
The scrub and pine forests are a perfect habitat for the Florida Scrub-Jay, whose habitat is disappearing as housing developments take over the land.
We spent the morning out in the wilderness of Archbold Biological Station with Reed Bowman, Research Director, Avian Ecology. It was both educational & beautiful.
Reed looking through Clydes camera
The primary focus right now for him & his group are the nesting of the Scrub Jays. There is one very friendly family of Scrub Jays...and one decided that Clyde’s hat made for a great place to land. Fun!
Clyde with Dustin Angell, Environmental Educator for the Reserve
We spent the afternoon with Dustin Angell, Environmental Educator for the Reserve. As the afternoon progressed, we noticed a storm approaching and began to leave the area, but the scene was fantastic, so Clyde and I jumped out of the Jeep and set up our cameras as fast as we could. We were worried that the storm would soon be producing a heavy rain, but we managed to get back in the Jeep just as the rain began to fall.
Archbold 1 —— for sizes and price CLICK HERE
Before we left home for our photographic trip, I had researched flowers with endings of rugelii. When I came across an image of rugelii flowers on my computer, I took a photo of them so we would have pictures to compare to the flowers on the ridge. We were hoping we might find a plant or two that Ferdinand Rugel had also seen and recorded, and we did! It is called Rugel's Milkwort (or Yellow Milkwort) Polygala rugellii. WOW! We were so excited! It connected us to Florida in a much different and significant way.
Archbold Biological Station —- Niki’s hand-painted photograph for sizes and prices CLICK HERE
Polygala rugelii ~ hand-painted b&w photograph (Niki)
Clyde with Polygala rugelii or Rugel’s Milwort
As I was researching, I found that Pitcher Plants were also a discovery by Uncle Ferdinand. They are called Sarracena flava rugellii. I had photographed and hand-painted these several years ago without knowing Clyde's relative had a hand in naming them.
We came across this wonderful hammock nestled near the main building. We figured the employees used it to day dream for a while on their breaks. :)
Pitcher Plant ~ hand-painted b&w photograph (Niki)
Clyde and I had a great time at Archbold Reserve & Biological Station and hope to make it back there one of these days. Thanks to all the folks who made our visit such an educational and wonderful time.
For information about Archbold Reserve & Biological Station CLICK HERE