This book, endorsed by the Nature Conservancy, tells the stories of eleven courageous and committed women who have worked diligently to conserve and protect the ecosystem of the Florida Keys. These intrepid eleven were not intimidated by developers, real estate people, or lawyers, and exhibited much perseverance and courage time and time again. Because of their consistent commitment, we all benefit: residents and visitors alike can enjoy the habitats and species these conservationists helped to save. Carolyn Heilbrun author of Writing a Woman's Life, an influential voice in this book, believes that power, often difficult for women to obtain, is ?the ability to take one's place in whatever discourse is essential to action and the right to have one's part matter.' These women have been very effective, pushing their environmental agendas with governors, representatives, and senators; city and county commissioners; planning boards, and sundry local leaders ranging from presidents of homeowner associations to civic organizations. The women convinced others that the landscape of the Keys is unique, that the habitat is essential for the survival of all living creatures including endangered species, that the health of coral is indicative of our water quality, and that unique geological sites must be preserved. Author Susan Monroe Nugent, was awarded the 1995 Conservation Colleague Award from the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the 1999 National Wildlife Refuge Award for Volunteer of the Year. She and her husband worked with Barry Steiglitz to found FAVOR-Florida Keys (Friends and Volunteers of the Refuges).