Clyde Butcher, Living Waters

The Clearwater Historical Society and the Friends of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve are hosting a limited exhibit June 5 – July 27, Wednesday – Saturday 10-2. Living Waters has been in storage and not been seen in many years. A $5 per person donation is requested.

“Florida’s natural beauty is often most evident in its aquatic preserves. They are Florida’s natural watery Eden’s—home to freshwater springs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests that provide food and habitat. Florida’s aquatic preserves truly are living waters. Within these pages, Clyde Butcher celebrates Florida’s aquatic preserves, capturing magical moments through his breathtaking photographs. His interest and respect for Florida’s natural environment is genuine. Mr. Butcher’s photographs will inspire you and touch your curiosity and concern for the wonders of Florida’s aquatic preserves—our living waters. Water runs through, around, and under Florida, creating its varied landscapes and biological diversity. Mr. Butcher’s photographs remind us that this natural heritage is entrusted to us to maintain for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.”—from the foreword by David B. Struhs, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Clyde’s images are captured with an 8” X 10”, 11” X 14”, or 12” X 20” view camera. The large-format camera allows him to express in elaborate detail the textures that distinguish the exquisite beauty of the landscape. The book is the companion to the PBS documentary, “Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida.”

Clyde Butcher has recently been honored by the State of Florida with the highest award that can be given to a private citizen, the Artists Hall of Fame Award, for his photographic excellence. He has also received the Conservation Colleague Award from The Nature Conser-vancy, and the Sierra Club’s Ansel Adams Conservation Award, given for excellence in photography and contributions to the public awareness of the environment. He was also chosen Person of the Week on the ABC Peter Jennings Evening News program, and has received the Heartland Community Service Award from the State of Florida.;