The Ichetucknee River--a first-magnitude spring system located in north central Florida--is the premier tubing destination in the United States with more than 200,000 visitors annually. But it is increasingly threatened by pollution. Earl, a photographer, artist, and ranger with the Florida Park Service, provides a collection of his photos and paintings of the Ichetucknee River in Florida. Images are presented in color and are accompanied by poems by Earl, Crystal Earl, and poet Cathy Nagler, and celebrate the beauty of the river. Also included is a short essay by Jim Stevenson, who monitors and protects the river and its basin. He discusses the challenges presented by human activity and projects to manage them. Annotation 2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Foreword /Susan Cerulean -- Introduction / Bill Hanrahan -- Preface and notes -- Poems. Winged beauty / Cathy Nagler ; Mosaic patchwork / Cathy Nagler ; Reflect in the shadows / Steven Earl ; Rejuvenescence / Cathy Nagler ; Egret eyes / Cathy Nagler ; Confluence / Crystal Earl -- Afterword / Jim Stevenson -- Resources -- Acknowledgments.