A Dune System Called "NaNa"

NaNa, the tallest dune in Florida, became a protected landmark largely through the efforts of MaVynne Betsch, widely known as the Beach Lady. After performing opera in London, Paris, and Germany, she returned to American Beach in 1975 as a full-time resident and used her resources and talents to preserve nature, the environment, and the African-American community of American Beach. For this 60-foot dune system that she named NaNa, and the adjoining property to the shoreline, her efforts resulted in the acquisition of nearly ten acres as a national park within the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. She also championed efforts that led to the posting of nesting signs to protect sea turtle eggs and encouraged residents to plant wildflowers on vacant lots to stabilize the sand and serve as hosts for butterfly nestlings and feedings. During the last 25 years of her life, she was the historic community's most vocal advocate and was remembered for her mantra about getting the most from the least and living peacefully in harmony with nature.

Florida · United States