Manatee County's natural treasures are getting a spotlight this month at the South Florida Museum, photographed by an area native who has been capturing those treasures on film for more than 30 years.
- "A Walk in the Park: Exploring Manatee's Preserves" features photos by Grant Jefferies
- Jefferies hopes to inspire visitors to museum to go exploring
- Exhibit runs through May 28
The South Florida Museum’s photography exhibition "A Walk in the Park: Exploring Manatee’s Preserves" highlights the natural beauty of the landscapes and wildlife found in Manatee County.
The exhibition features more than 20 photographs taken by Grant Jefferies, an award-winning photographer who has been snapping pictures of his hometown for more than 30 years.
"Of course I am looking for wildlife,” Jefferies said. “I am looking for anything that will provide the opportunity for me to show this place is special, this place is a preserve for a reason."
Jefferies hopes the photographs will inspire viewers to go out and explore the preserves.
"One reaction I got was, ‘I didn’t even know this place existed’ and that makes me feel really good because the one thing I want to be is somebody’s eyes out there,” Jefferies said.
He also hopes the exhibition will highlight the need for continued preservations of the area’s natural resources.
The exhibition will be open through May 28.