The Wild Thing Gala's feature presentation, James Valentine's Florida - Magnificent Wilderness, celebrates the unspoiled beauty that still remains in the back country, trails, natural areas and parks of the Sunshine State.

Florida - Magnificent Wilderness, a multi-media presentation, photographically explores Florida's ecosystems with its varied landscape, moods of weather and seasonal change. The images depict the dynamic interaction of open space, wildlife and wilderness. Velma Frye's vocals and songs with the Breathing Earth Orchestra reflect the infinite beauty of our unique state.

The environmental images in this presentation will leave you with a heightened awareness that what we see is irreplaceable and cannot be taken for granted.

James Valentine's camera has helped him develop a deep connection with nature, inspiring a life devoted to the stewardship of wilderness and wildlife. He coordinates his conservation work with a network of local and global conservation organizations. In 1996, he received the Governor's Environmental Education Award for his work.

A long-time supporter of St. Francis Wildlife, James Valentine's prints will also be on display at City Hall during the Wild Thing Gala, and he is donating forty percent of the proceeds of sales at the Gala to the care of sick, injured and orphaned animals at our wildlife rehabilitation center. Trail & Ski is sponsoring this presentation of Florida - Magnificent Wilderness.