LAST OF THE PONDEROSA PINES

May 5, 2009

As we approach a new hurricane season I am reminded of the toll Wilma took on South Florida. Beyond the damage left behind to our homes and busines, she raked through the natural habitat of our native wildlife. Amongst the destroyed, a one time barrier of Ponderosa Pines that, in the not to distant past, protected the encroachment of civilization into the Everglades.

What we do now, "Will echo through Eternity."

November 21, 2006

More than a year after Hurricane Wilma raked South Florida, the county and state, are finally removing the last vestiges of the storm from West Boca's canals.Loggers Run, my home and a sprawling community west of Route 441, sustained significant tree damage. 

 Towering pine trees were wind-tossed all along the Dairyland canal, the eastern border of the development and in some cases, even toppling into neighborhood pools.One of the tallest crashed onto our property, destroying our pool canopy and landed just short of the house. At the time, it frightened and angered me, but has since become home to a myriad of local creatures.

At different times of the day, my wife and I have seen Turtles, Raccoons, Iguanas, Possums, all manner of local birds and even Alligators scuttling over, under and through the limbs. It reminded us of the, "Old Florida," the one we sacrificed for growth and the amenities of civilization.

This past Friday morning, a barge crewed by local laborers floated down the canal and the tree disappeared.

We will miss it.

May 5, 2009

Help save the enviroment, our parks, our lives and the the planet, for our children and grandchildren!