FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2010 Contact: Jennifer Spoto CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group jennifer.spoto@taylorandfrancis.com NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED WETLANDS SPECIALIST AT MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL
Thomas E. Lodge explains how the Everglades evolved as an ecosystem Boca Raton, Florida, July 27, 2010 — nationally recognized wetlands ecologist Thomas E. Lodge, Ph.D. will talk about his book, The Everglades Handbook: Understanding the Ecosystem, Third Edition, at the Miami Book Fair International, November 14-21, 2010. He will discuss how his book evolved from its initial concept, through changes based on academic text use, without losing its readability. He will also touch on current issues facing the restoration project. Tom Lodge first visited the Everglades in 1966, during the height of the annual rainy season. The area was teeming with fishes, all easily visible in the clear shallow water. “The sight was a delight to a budding ichthyologist from Ohio,” says Dr. Lodge. A life-long passion was formed. Dr. Lodge draws readers in with his enthusiasm, dedication, and knowledge. His drive to explain how things work produced a book that explores how the Everglades evolved as an ecosystem and how its components have been shaped by processes, both natural and manmade. “I wanted to provide a general reference or manual that a lay person could use,” says Lodge. “It was a surprise when the first edition was adopted as a college text.” Lodge has continuously improved his book as a course text, maintaining its reader-friendly style and scientific rigor. Because he does this so well, he makes the case, without preaching or judgment, for protecting this fragile ecosystem from further damage and assisting in the continuing efforts to restore it. The first edition of The Everglades Handbook: Understanding the Ecosystem has been called “an important contribution to the understanding of the nature and beauty of the Everglades as well as to the many-faceted challenges of keeping the Everglades alive and well” by Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Colleagues such as Suzanne Koptur, professor of Biological Science at Florida International University have stated “a better book for understanding the history and challenges to this ecosystem has probably not been written.” Ever humble, Lodge contests “I am amazed that a competing book has not surfaced, especially with the hundreds of scientists involved in Everglades restoration.” 6000 Broken Sound Parkway, NW, Suite 300 • Boca Raton, FL 33487 Tel: (561) 994-0555 • Fax: (561) 241-7856 • www.crcpress.com