The shallow-bowl basin south of Gainesville called Paynes Prairie is known to most Florida travelers only as the vast, low, open area they see from their cars speeding north or south on I-75. Paynes Prairie is now a nature sanctuary crisscrossed by hiking and biking paths and dotted with observation posts on both sides of Highway 441. Not since naturalist William Bartram's 1774 journal has a book been written about this unique area. The wildlife and plants of the Prairie fascinated Bartram, who penned fantastic descriptions of its tranquility and beauty. Lars Andersen chronicles the many changes that have occurred on the Prairie since Bartram's journal was published -- indeed since prehistoric animals and then people chose to settle on the Prairie and partake of its natural riches. But change has been the hallmark of Paynes Prairie. whose history is as fascinating as that of Florida itself. Book jacket.

Lars Andersen's lifelong love of outdoor exploration began with his childhood forays into the remotest reaches of Paynes Prairie. Thanks to a patient mother, who drove him out in the morning and picked him up at sunset carrying a sack full of the day's finds (usually snakes), he developed the passion for and intimate knowledge of Paynes Prairie that have resulted in this book. Today he guides nature and history tours of nearly 30 north Florida natural areas for Adventure Outpost in High Springs, Florida. His favorite trip is still the Paynes Prairie History Hike