Ocklawaha began as an effort to preserve the stories, places, and people that make this small Central Florida community unique. While the town's history stretches back to indigenous settlement and river travel, its character continues to be shaped by those who live among the forests, lakes, ranches, and sandy backroads today.

Rather than focusing solely on dates and events, this book explores the larger story of how geography, culture, industry, and memory intertwine to create a sense of place. Ocklawaha is a river, a community, and for many residents, a reminder that progress and preservation are often in constant conversation.

The goal of this work is simple: to encourage readers to look beyond the interstate, explore forgotten places, and appreciate the histories that remain hidden in plain sight.

Ocklawaha

More than just a place or a river -- a way of life.
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Discover the untamed heart of Florida in the "Florida Life" series by Roderick Edwards, a transplant who traded northern roots for the wild beauty of central Florida's forests. Far from the sun-soaked beaches and theme park glamour, these books unveil the "real Florida"—a landscape of towering longleaf pines, swampy lakes, sandy trails, and resilient communities where nature and human ingenuity intertwine.
In Forest Living in Central Florida, Edwards takes you on an immersive tour of rural life, from homesteading among black bears and alligators to navigating seasons, locals, and hidden adventures. It's a celebration of Florida's diverse inhabitants—from indigenous Tocobaga to modern snowbirds—and the challenges and charms of off-the-grid existence.
The sequel, Florida Forest Farming, builds on this foundation with practical wisdom for cultivating the land. Drawing from personal lessons, Edwards guides readers through soil secrets, plant selection, animal companionship (think chickens, ducks, and bees), and sustainable practices that harmonize with Florida's humid rhythms. Explore permaculture, wildlife coexistence, community networks, and the cyclical art of stewardship, all infused with field notes and reflective insights.
Whether you're an aspiring homesteader, nature enthusiast, or curious traveler, the "Florida Life" series offers an authentic, insider's view of thriving in the Sunshine State's forested frontiers. Join Edwards in embracing the wild, the whimsical, and the wondrous—where every pine needle and pond ripple tells a story of resilience and renewal.
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