Save Sweetbay Swamp

WHAT? Seven acres of lush woodland with many varieties of trees, ferns, and wildflowers; over seventy kinds of birds have been observed. The glen has a clear, flowing stream, wooded ravines, twisted vines, and some magnificent old trees. It is hooped a .7 acre access lot containing a giant live oak, and a .1 acre fenceline of large, old trees, can be included. Cost of the 7 acres at $3000/acre is $21,000. This price's fairness has been verified by three, independent, real estate men. Cost of the .8 acre lot land, $6000. For fencing, duckwalking trails, and entrance facilities--sign, rain shelter, and two picnic tables--$1000. Total, $28,000.

WHERE? North on Monroe St. (Highway 27), Old Bainbridge Rd., or High Rd.--see map. Call Tom Morrill, 385-1207, for directions or guide from 1403 Stone Road.

WHY? Because unspoiled nature is valuable for its beauty, its opportunity for walking, breathing, listening, in a cool, clean, quiet place. Because children need to see ferns, tadpoles, and spiders where life is ordered by a power transcending modern, disordered man's. This particular area is valuable because it is within the City limits, within reach, and because this section of the City has no park and in a few years will be heavily developed.

HOW? In May, 1970, the City Commission voted to establish and maintain Sweetbay as a sanctuary provided half the purchase funds were made available to it for requesting a Federal matching grant, and provided such funds are granted. Federal "open space" money is available. Funds will be sought through the State Division of Recreation and Parks.
The Nature Conservancy is a private, non-profit group devoted exclusively to setting aside wild lands. The Conservancy has been the major power in establishing wildlife sanctuaries in the State, including those of Sanibel and St. Vincent Islands, and Corkscrew Swamp. In Oct., 1970, The Conservancy voted to allocate funds for Sweetbay's purchase. In the belief that we appreciate and are involved in what we pay for, this is "back-up" support, not a gift. Furthermore, the allocation is from a revolving fund which requires repayment, at charges of 10%, so that other projects can be supported. Local groups are expected to repay the fund. It is hoped the Tallahassee share, $11,000, or $14,000 if the subdivision land is not contributed but can be purchased, will be raised before the option runs out in June, 1971. Thus no interest will be charged on The Conservancy's allocation. As of Nov. 15, 1970, $1,597.18 had been contributed or pledged.

WHO? The Sweetbay Swamp Committee, Inc. was formed in April, 1970, when some Tallahassee citizens saw and became interested in the swamp. Officers are: Mrs. Cynthia Somers, president; Mrs. Clifton Lewis, vice-president; Tom Morrill, secretary; David Linn, treasurer. Other members are: Mrs. Nancy Dobson (City Park Board), Mrs. Shirley Fogle, Mrs. Walt Glooschenko, Mrs. Sheryl Jordan (Junior Woman's club), Mrs. Jacquelin Lewis, Mrs. Maude Greene (teacher), Mrs. Judy Phipps, Dr. Rupert G. Seals (Dean of Agriculture, FAMU). Mrs. Peg Post, Mrs. Lynn Barrera (Audubon Society), Richard G. Rubino (Urban Planning, FSU), Kenneth Gatlin (legal adviser), Rusty Bryant (FSU student, Environmental Action Group), Gil Tougas, Mrs. Loring Lovell. Sweetbay is the 1970-71 project of the Violet Garden Circle.

SEND CHECKS, tax deductible, made to Sweetbay Swamp Committee, Inc., to David Linn, Treasurer, Sweetbay Committee, 700 Bank and Trust Bldg., Tallahassee, Fla.

THE COMMITTEE IS ANXIOUS to have Sweetbay a joint project with other groups, and to work with other organizations in fund raising. Contact Cynthia Somers, 576-5935.

SPEAKERS ARE AVAILABLE for groups wanting to see color slides and have further information on this project for establishing Tallahassee's first nature sanctuary. Contact Mrs. Somers or Tom Morrill, 385-1207.