$24.95

     THE LOGGERHEAD TURTLE in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, by Charles LeBuff. This semitechnical book is the result of an intimate, long-term investigation into the biology, life history, and conservation of this threatened marine species. This sea turtle's biology, ancestry, taxonomy, physiology, diet, reproductive behavior, embryological development, and survival problems are among the subjects discussed.  An appended section provides, in field guide format, details on the four allied marine turtle species which cohabit the eastern Gulf of Mexico with the loggerhead.

        The author provides a good mix of data, a considerable amount of which is being published for the first time, and personal accounts of in-the-field episodes.  Mr. LeBuff chronicles over three decades of field research, conservation efforts, and experiences.  From 1959, until 1991, the author directed a sea turtle conservation program known as Caretta Research on the beaches of Southwest Florida.  He has bundled a lifetime of knowledge and experience between the covers of this book.

    Noted sea turtle specialist, Dr. Peter C. H. Pritchard, wrote the book’s Introduction. All aspects of the loggerhead turtle's biology and life history are discussed in detail.  Generously illustrated with thirty-five photographic color plates, 22 original drawings, maps, and graphics by Warren Boutchia and Mary Lou Schadt, and numerous other illustrations, graphs and tables supplement the text, format  6" x 9" — 220 pages.  ISBN 0-9625013-0-1 Published in 1990.

$24.95

    Once known in the English-speaking world as Sanybel, the Sanibel Island of today is a bridge-linked popular resort destination on Florida's lower Gulf Coast. Until 1963, this subtropical island was a remote wildlife refuge, a secret retreat for famous Americans and sportsmen, and its wide white sand beach still has the reputation of being the nation's best beach for collecting seashells. Today, nearly a million people per year visit the wild mangrove forest of the famous J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.  Charles LeBuff shares intimate tales about a bygone, special lifestyle on this barrier island. He passes on to the reader his expert knowledge pertaining to the island's ecology, wildlife — especially alligators, the dastardly "red tide," sea turtles, and manatees — mosquitoes, horrific hurricanes, and the duties of a light keeper at the Sanibel Lighthouse.  The creation of the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the City of Sanibel are fully covered as is "Ding" Darling, the man.

    This book was written for the education and enjoyment of today's residents and those new visitors who will also "discover" their personal paradise on Sanibel Island. Sanybel Light is a book written especially for anyone who has ever experienced the charm of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

     The cover artwork was rendered by the author. Twenty black and white photographs. Format 6" x 9" — 304 pages. ISBN 978-0-9625013-1-9.  First published in 1998, Sanybel Light is now in it's fourth printing.

The Newest Book About an Older Florida

    The Calusan is based on Florida history and features Sanibel Island and Punta Rassa. All dated events are real and the Sanibel Island Lighthouse and the famed "Key Marco Cat" are major themes.  In 1883, the discovery of Calusa Indian artifacts on Sanibel Island brings together three human cultures over a four-century time span. The reader joins tough Florida cowmen on a cattle drive that ends in a Cuban adventure, and relives the exciting 1513 "discovery" of Florida as the Spanish and Calusa cultures collide. 

    Everglades historian, Laymond Hardy writes, "Charles LeBuff has woven a stirring story about a younger, more primitive Florida. He has retrofitted two historical periods, and two different cultures, into an intriguing, adventure-filled historical novel. The Calusan is destined to become a Florida classic."

    Format 6" x 9" — 352 pages. ISBN 0-9625013-2-8 Published 2004.

    The lecturer is Charles LeBuff.  He lived on Sanibel and championed the island's environment and wildlife for 47 years.  For 32 of those years he worked at what today is the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, he pioneered sea turtle conservation efforts on the island, and served on the original Sanibel City Council.