If you haven't already noticed, we've been on a bit of an Everglades kick this week. Owen Plair introduced us to fly fishing for snook in the glades and Chris Hunt detailed the opportunity to provide a major boon to Everglades restoration that Florida voters are hopefully about to seize. These two pieces provided compelling insight into of the issues that the Everglades have long been facing as well as their importance and value as a fishery. But the reasons to care about Everglades restoration don't end with its standing as one of the most spectacular saltwater angling destinations in the nation; the Everglades is the keystone of southern Florida's economy, is the source of drinking water for over 7 million people and is one of the most biologically diverse and beautiful wildernesses in the world.

A new book by Gainesville, Florida photographer Mac Stone aims to introduce a wide audience to the beauty, splendor and importance of the Everglades. The culmination of over 5 years, 1,000 hours in the field, and the culling of more than 70,000 images, Everglades: America's Wetland contains over 240 photographs and 15 essays.

David Yarnold, President of the National Audubon Society calls Stone's book, "Fervent and stirring. Stone's visual storytelling is breathtaking. Everyone who treasures the Everglades will want to revel in this book."

Stone's book may be the best opportunity to experience the Everglades in advance of heading down to wet a line it its iconic waters yourself.

Stone has also recently released a short video that details the process of capturing the image that graces the books cover, one of the Everglades snail kite. Regarding getting the shot, Stone noted, "there is hardly a bird more emblematic of the impacts of mankind and the biological conditioning of this habitat than the endangered snail kite. To get permission to photograph this bird I needed to work directly with state biologists. I wanted an image that I had never seen before, something to represent the unique behavior of this incredible bird."

You can view the video below. The book is available for ordering through Amazon.com.