Go straight to the panorama

I was recently on business in Boca Raton, Florida and on my way back I noticed a sign for Yamato Scrub Natural Area. I usually plan these things, but I had my camera with me, so what the heck. I didn’t get to walk all of the trails, but I did walk about half a mile in.

Yamato Scrub Natural Area is relatively new, having opened in October of 2007 and the parking lot doesn’t even show up on Google Earth at the time I’m writing this. It is owned by the state, the county, and the city jointly if I understand correctly. At 217 acres it’s scale is impressive. It is primarily comprised of scrub, but there is also a small wetland basin that was apparently nearly destroyed in the 60s and Herculean effort has gone into restoring it. The brochures at the entrance are very comprehensive with a handy wildlife guide and all in full color. The park does have a paved parking lot, a bike rack and a small kiosk, but there is nothing else but 2.4 miles of hiking trail.

My initial impression of the place was that it had few visitors, and that is more an educated guess than anything, but it could make spotting wildlife a more realistic possibility. Unfortunately in my time there I only spotted some small birds.

My honest impression of Yamato Scrub Natural Area was not very positive. Although an environment worthy of protection as much as any other scrub areas just aren’t very aesthetically appealing to me. Slash pines and saw palmettos are the bulk of the foliage and you can see why these areas are so fire prone when you see it up close. Although 2.4 miles of hiking trails is a lot, they are paved like a sidewalk and combined with the irrigation system you occasionally spot exposed and the visible development along the perimeter the place has a McNatural feel to it for me. The paved trails might be fun to rollerblade or bike on, but those activities are prohibited.

I’m glad the area is protected, but I don’t think I’ll be spending a lot of time there.

Yamato Scrub Natural Area is located at 701 Clint Moore Rd Boca Raton, Florida.

By John Potter

Final Design

Substance clothing company in Calabasas, California was looking for a logo that would represent their mission which is to educate through fashion. Their line is beginning as a men’s line, utilizing hemp in a surprisingly modern and urban chic and edgy style with the tag line “look within.” The clothing is meant for the “thinking man”, thus the use of Rodin’s sculpture as a design element.

One of the more complex design proposals

Linda and Pattye from Substance had such a clear idea of what they wanted that the process was relatively smooth. Although we kicked around several concepts one of the earliest versions ended up becoming the final.

Screen printed inside each article of clothing will be a story, fact, tidbit of information about hemp regarding its history, uses, and potential for replacing diminishing natural resources that are of particular concern in today’s dwindling options. Some shirts will also include an outside graphic related to the inside information.

I’m proud to be a part of an eco-conscious and socially responsible endeavor. I look forward to seeing what comes next for Substance.
Keep checking substancellc.com to see what they’re doing for yourself.

Dear John,

I just want to thank you so much for our logo and let you know that we have evolved into SUBSTANCE COTERIE, INC. Pattye and I are no longer together, but I am moving forward with my dream, to educate thru fashion. We have just recently re-lauched. Please visit our new website at http://www.ThinkSubstance.com

All the best,

Linda – The Hempress

Florida Springs Gallery

North Florida is dotted by fresh water springs that are quite large in size. In most states a spring usually constitutes a small trickle of water coming out from under some rocks. In north Florida a spring usually constitutes a large basin big enough to swim in fed by crystal clear water coming forth in thousands of gallons a day.

If you’d like to see how a spring works have a look at The Journey of Water.

These springs constitute a rare ecological environment, a great source of recreation, sources of river water and much more. Most are part of some type of park and they support recreational activities ranging from camping and canoeing, to swimming and scuba diving, including cave diving.

I have been visiting Florida’s springs since I was a kid and recently took my own family on a little trip up there to introduce my kids to the springs. While I was there I shot quite a few photos. I decided when I got back that it would be nice to consolidate some of my favorite spring photos that I’ve shot and friends have shot of me in one place.

I’ll admit that it’s kind of a project in search of a purpose and some photos are included for their beauty and some for their content. Regardless I hope you enjoy my Florida Springs Gallery.

Learn more about the Florida Springs at floridasprings.info