(West Palm Beach, FL – March 14, 2025) The Everglades is disappearing and so are snail kites, an endangered bird of prey native to Florida’s shrinking wetlands. The colorful new book SAM THE SNAIL KITE AND THE SECRET OF THE EVERGLADES focuses on one plucky but curious snail kite on his journey to keep the environmentally critical Everglades alive.

A collaboration of Grassy Waters educators, written by Vera de Chalambert, delightfully illustrated by Christina Eure, and designed by Sarah Cravens, SAM THE SNAIL KITE will be available on March 24 from the City of West Palm Beach to promote Grassy Waters Preserve, a vital wetlands area that provides drinking water for thirsty local inhabitants of all ages.

One result of the vanishing wetlands is that snail kites are on the Endangered Species List—a scary fact that motivates Sam to “learn the secret of keeping the Everglades alive.” One after another, he asks all the interconnected plants and animals that have depended on this critical ecosystem for thousands of years if they know the answer.

The ultimate lesson learned: “Everything in the Everglades needs water to live. Without water, humans wouldn’t be able to survive either! Everyone is responsible for protecting water, and we have a part to play.”

SAM THE SNAIL KITE shares this valuable insight in a way that is easy for both children and adults to understand while reveling in its whimsical artistic imagery. Most importantly, the book shares valuable tips on how everyone—regardless of age—can contribute to saving the Everglades, such as:

·      Collect rainwater.

·      Don’t pollute.

·      Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

·      Plant native plants.

Featuring an engaging family of Everglades plants and animals-Mama Sawgrass, Uncle Gator, Sister Egret, and many others-the book also represents the role of the Seminole people and their ancestors as an integral part of the story of the Everglades or ‘Pay-Hay-Okee’, which means grassy waters. In addition to the City of West Palm Beach and Grassy Waters Preserve, the publication of SAM THE SNAIL KITE is sponsored by FPL and the Grassy Waters Conservancy. The book was created and produced by current and former staff members at the Preserve.

“We encourage everyone to visit us at Grassy Waters Preserve and join the Everglades Family,” invites Mary Crider, Environmental Education Supervisor.

To purchase an advance copy of SAM THE SNAIL KITE, interested people may complete the pre-order form at https://grassywaters.org/sam-the-snail-kite/. Books will be available for pickup beginning March 24 at Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center, 8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach, 33412.

About Grassy Waters Preserve:

Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23-square-mile wetlands ecosystem that serves as the freshwater supply for the City of West Palm Beach and the towns of South Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island. Historically, Grassy Waters was a key component of the Greater Everglades watershed and the headwaters of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River. Although human needs have led to severe alterations to water flow through South Florida, Grassy Waters Preserve remains a pristine remnant of the once great Everglades system. A mosaic of wetlands, tree islands, and forested hammocks, Grassy Waters Preserve is home to various native wildlife. Commonly sighted species include the snail kite, wood stork, white ibis, great blue heron, white tailed deer, otter, bobcat, and alligator. In addition to meeting local demands for freshwater, Grassy Waters Preserve provides hands-on educational experiences for learners of all ages. Access to this historic wetland reconnects visitors with the natural heritage of West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit: wpb.org/grassywaters.

About the Grassy Waters Conservancy:

Grassy Waters Conservancy is the only non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization approved by the City of West Palm Beach that supports Grassy Waters Preserve. The Conservancy’s mission is to support, promote and protect Grassy Waters Preserve through environmental education and research, and nature-based experiences, while ensuring its ecological integrity and role as a regional water supply.  For more information about the Conservancy or to donate to help further its mission, please visit: https://grassywaters.org.

Attached Images:

(Photo Credit: Grassy Waters Preserve)

1. SAM THE SNAIL KITE – Book Cover

2. Author Vera de Chalambert and Illustrator Christina Eure

3. SAM THE SNAIL KITE Pre-Order Illustration

Available for Interview:

Mary Crider

Grassy Waters Preserve

Environmental Education Supervisor

561.804.4985 / [email protected]

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart                         

PR-BS, Inc.

561.756.4298 / [email protected]

About The City of West Palm Beach

To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.

To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home