WATCH YOUR STEP

A close-up painting of the endangered Hawksbill Seaturtle, with a detailed painting within the eye showing the nesting beach - endangered by development.  Seaturtles return to the same beach from which they hatched to lay their eggs.  Bright lights from development distract the turtles from laying, and nests are easily destroyed by human activities. 

The painting within the eye of this tropical fish, shows the fine line of balancing "progress" with protecting healthy, living ocean reefs.  Global warming will raise ocean temperatures- killing coral reefs.  The Elkhorn and Staghorn corals are already on the endangered species list.

The beauty of the mandarin fish is reminiscent of the Mandarin Emperors' colorful robes - thus it's name. Because of its beauty and size (under 5") this species has been over-collected for the aquarium trade. Our ocean reefs are the life support system of all oceans - please treat them with respect.  

The Domestic Honeybee is suffering worldwide from Colony Collapse Syndrome - bees are leaving their hives and not returning.  Their decline should draw focus to the critical role the honey bee plays in our food chain and the impact their loss will have on our ecology and economy. 

The eye detail of "The Humpback Whale" shows the harpoon gun at the bow of an illegal whaling vessel. Support Greenpeace in their efforts to combat the killing of whales and dolphins.

The Yanomami Indians live on protected lands in the Amazonia area of Venezuela. Illegal mining and deforestation are drastically impacting their lives.  The Yanomamis live off the land - hunting with bows and arrows and blow darts and foraging plants and roots.  Their family oriented culture takes a vast and healthy rainforest and pristine rivers. 

This Peregrine Falcon has been visiting St. Croix for the past 3-4 winters (Oct.-Apr.) He lives in the Christiansted Harbor, roosting on masts and  bringing his prey (small chickens, pidgeons, and rats) to his favorite mast to eat.  Because of his adaptability to live in an urban setting, the falcon has been taken off of the endangered species list. The scene painted in his eye is a view of the Christiansted  Bypass being gouged out of the undeveloped green backdrop mountains - Forever changing the landscape for "progress".

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