Cattle ranches showcased in 2014 Florida Ranches Calendar

Dec. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- In a year that saw unprecedented devastation to the rivers and estuaries along the east and west coasts of Florida, a statewide calendar collaboration offers the public a unique look at the positive impact Florida’s ranches play in helping to filter, store and cleanse water.  Now in its ninth year, the award-winning Florida Ranches Calendar uses captivating and powerful photographic images from photojournalist and eighth-generation Floridian Carlton Ward Jr. to tell the story of these cattle ranches and honor their generational environmental stewardship of the land.

As in past years, the Calendar showcases a diversity of ranches and pays tribute to their outstanding and progressive conservation efforts. For 2014, the theme is water and the goal is to educate the public about the many ways that Florida’s ranches protect the quality and quantity of freshwater in Florida today, as well as future hope for restoring more natural balance to vast watersheds.

Portrayed in the calendar are numerous cattle ranches that protect the headwaters of many important watersheds including Everglades, Caloosahatchee River, St. Johns River, Peace River and Apalachicola River. These watersheds provide drinking water for the majority of people living in our state.  Florida’s ranches can keep the land green and undeveloped, buffer waterways from urban runoff and allow water to be stored, cleaned and filtered back into the aquifer.

“While contributing greatly to Florida’s economy, cultural heritage, and environmental resources, it is the vital role ranches serve in protecting Florida’s water that is the lesser-known thread that connects nearly all Floridians to these lands and to the families who are the stewards of these lands,” Ward said.

In addition to breathtaking photos of Florida ranches, the calendar also includes a Foreword from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam expressing the need for preserving and conserving the region’s agricultural and cultural heritage.  “Future generations of Floridians, if they are to enjoy the same quality of life we currently enjoy, will depend on the working ranchlands to remain and thrive. Privately owned and managed ranch and forests lands are responsible for the ‘real’ Florida we all love, and we must constantly look for opportunities to sustain their valuable public service,” Putnam said.

Other notable individuals provide thought provoking commentary in the opening pages of the calendar including: Hilary Swain, Executive Director of Archbold Biological Station; Jim Handley, Executive Vice President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and others.

In keeping with the environmental theme, the calendar is printed in Florida using Stuart-based Southeastern Printing’s sustainable printing process, which includes using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified paper and vegetable inks.

The Ranch Calendar makes a great gift and is now on sale for $15 each. Bulk order discounts and non-profit fundraising rates are also available.  Go to http://www.fireflyforyou.com to order online. For more information, contact The Firefly Group at 772-287-5272 or info@fireflyforyou.com

Additional facts about the Florida Ranches Calendar

Ranches featured:

Alico Ranch, Collier, Hendry and Polk Counties
Apalachicola National Forest, Wakulla County
Babcock Ranch, Charlotte and Lee Counties
Creek Ranch, Polk County
Crescent J Ranch, Osceola County
Deseret Ranch, Osceola, Orange & Brevard Counties
Disney Wilderness Preserve, Polk & Osceola Counties
J Seven Ranch, Hendry County
Kissimmee River
Roman III Ranch, Hardee & DeSoto Counties
Smoak Ranch, Highlands County
Yarborough Ranch, Seminole County

Awards

The Florida Ranches calendars have won numerous awards for the past several years, including regional and statewide Image Awards from the Florida Public Relations Association as well as Gold ADDYs and a Best in Show from the Advertising Federation.

Partners & Sponsors

The 2014 Florida Ranches Calendar is a collaborative partnership between the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Family Lands Remembered, the major underwriters of the calendar, along with Legacy Institute for Nature & Culture (LINC) and The Firefly Group. The calendar also receives diverse support from ranches, environmental organizations, companies involved with land planning and others.

Sponsors include:

Adams Ranch, The Andersons, Audubon of Florida, Conservation Trust of Florida, Creek Ranch, Dead Mead, Deseret Ranch, Family Lands Remembered, The Firefly Group, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Florida’s Cattlemen Association & Foundation, Florida Crystals, FPL, GCY, Charlie and Saundra Gray, Holland & Knight, Kimley-Horn, Kitson & Partners, LINC, National Wildlife Refuge Association, J Seven Ranch, The Nature Conservancy, Roman III Ranch, Seminole Tribe, Siboney Ranch, Smoak Groves Inc., Venture Four, LLC