Florida Cracker Cowboy PhotographerJimmy Peters
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The Crowley Museum and Nature Center receives generous support from Lakewood Ranch.
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Peters was raised in Sarasota and as a child lived and worked on the family farm raising cattle and growing citrus before going on to Kent State in Ohio to earn his degree and join the advertising business. Currently, he is President of P. Taylor McHone Advertising in Sarasota. Peters has been taking pictures for over 30 years but was captivated yet again as an adult by the unique, hard working and fiercely independent Cracker Cowboys and their cattle dogs. Inspired by photographers such as Ansel Adams, Peters took his passion for photography to create this series of black and white photos that capture the true essence of the modern day working cattle rancher. 
The funding came in response to a serious need at Crowley for improvements to the property including installing a cattle gap to control the movement of livestock and the natural restoration of the main road and walkway in the pioneer area of the Center.
As it is Crowley’s mission, Lakewood Ranch has been committed to the protection and preservation of the land within its care. The treatment of the land and environment has been a continuing expression of the most careful stewardship. This support from Lakewood Ranch will further enhance the experiential learning and outdoors experience while visiting the Crowley Museum and Nature Center.
This heritage of environmental responsibility has led to Lakewood Ranch being designated a Green-Certified Community by the Florida Green Building Coalition. Lakewood Ranch is the largest master-planned community in the country to achieve this important designation.
Crowley is proud to be partnered with Lakewood Ranch as a corporate sponsor in 2009 and wishes to thank them for their support.
For more information about Lakewood Ranch contact, Lori Joyce, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Welcome to CMNC's new web site.  We have a great new look and many exciting features including our new e-newsletter the Crowley Chronicles – be sure to sign up today. Don’t miss our next issue CMNC is now able to accept online donations and memberships. Click on the grasshopper and he will direct you to PayPal to process your donation and/or membership dues. |
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Naturalist Programs Now at Crowley
Mark"Wildman" Burrow, has re-joined Crowley in his role as Naturalist and Adventure Guide. Mark brings a wide variety of unique, interesting and fun programs that are certain to have you coming back time and time again. There are programs designed specifically for kids while others are for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Learn about what’s edible in the wild, what reptiles really live in your back yard or take the full survival training program and learn how to live off the land!
Burrows is a Florida Cracker that grew up in the wilds of Florida. Mark has been a student of nature his entire life. He tells us “I love it so much I thought I should find a way to share my love of nature with others so, I started Wildlife Services of Florida.”
Mark studied Biology at the University of Tampa. Burrows is an Eagle Scout and works closely with the many Boy and Girl Scout groups that come to Crowley to earn their merit badges.
As “Wildman” says, “I've got Nature in my blood. Please join me one day soon and we can get lost together.”
For more information on available programs click here.
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~A Call to Action~
The Crowley Boardwalk Restoration Project is Underway
By, Kaytee Moran, Director of Development, CMNCFor more than two decades, one of the main attractions at the Cowley Museum and Nature Center is its half mile long, scenic, wooden boardwalk. This trail has been the main hiking path that winds through portions of the pine flatwoods, oak hammock and over the Maple Branch Swamp and Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. The boardwalk guides you to the two-story, Selby Tower overlooking the marsh and the Myakka River. Thousands of visitors, families and school children have enjoyed this unique walk through these diverse natural communities for many years.
Today, the boardwalks advanced wear and tear and Florida’s severe weather conditions including hurricanes and heavy summer rains have caused river flooding that covers parts of the boardwalk and has taken a heavy toll on the twenty year old walkway. The decking and hand rails are weathered beyond repair and are becoming a serious safety issue.
CMNC is taking charge and has committed itself to replacing our precious walkway. The Boardwalk Restoration Project will level and replace the deck and replace the hand rails for the entire length of the boardwalk and even more importantly bring the structure up to code and make it safe for all visitors and for the first time become compliant to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. When the restoration is completed the boardwalk will be a safe and user friendly pathway for our friends of all ages and abilities.
Your help is needed now so that we can begin construction during the dry season and through the spring of 2009. Funding is desperately needed to purchase replacement marine grade lumber and hardware along with contracting with a professional decking company to professionally level the walking surface to complete the renovation. Crowley Museum and Nature Center will provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the project.
Crowley is also in search of volunteers who are willing to contribute their time (estimated at 1200 labor hours) to complete the building of the walkway.
CMNC has applied for several grants and has approached other philanthropic sources for funding. However, these grants require matching gifts from other sources and that is where we need your support. The Boardwalk Restoration Project is an effort of great financial magnitude in the amount of $240,000.
Your contribution to this project is vital. Without our boardwalk we will lose the connectivity to these beautiful natural lands and its inhabitants.
Your gift to the project will directly benefit the Boardwalk Restoration Project. Your gift no matter the amount will help to purchase the supplies and materials needed to complete the renovation.
The gift of your time and expertise is also needed and appreciated. If you have the time, we have plenty of opportunities to assist us with the building process. Scout troops and other groups are welcome!
To donate to the Boardwalk Restoration Project click here.
