Southwest Florida's natural environment is a treasure for all who live here as well as those who are visitors. This is something either side will agree upon in the sometimes heated and emotional debate over how to preserve this place many refer to as "paradise."

While working as a photojournalist covering environmental stories I have learned there are no easy answers. All of us are contributing to the pressures put on the fragile ecosystem of Southwest Florida. Therefore, we all have to be part of the solution.

Through my art form of photography I hope my contribution will be to bolster the appreciation of the wild areas that make Southwest Florida so attractive. This mutual appreciation can be the common ground that will lead to preserving "paradise" while living out our lives within this unique environment.

  -Cameron Gillie