Marjory Stoneman Douglas watched development in southern Florida from her arrival in 1915 as a young woman until her death in 1998 at age 108. The changes she witnessed are historic: roads across the swamp, jet airplanes, and enormous population growth.

Unfortunately, "progress" also included the destruction of many acres of irreplaceable habitat.

She wrote The Everglades: River of Grass in 1947 and explained how "water is the key" in Florida. Her warnings were not heeded until recently when restoration became the buzz-word.

Her story, the historical background, comments by friends, and some of her words of wisdom are included in this pithy book about the "Grandma of the Glades", the indomitable woman who fought for conservation before it was popular.