Eco Story – the Doris F. Westervelt Memorial

The Eco Story Mosaic tells the story of the unique ecosystems that envelops the Ponte Vedra area. It was commissioned by Letitia Westervelt Smith for the library in honor of her late mother. Smith’s mother, Doris Westervelt, had a passion for education, nature, and community. The mosaic is an educational portrait of the natural habitats that surround the park including coastal dune, freshwater marsh, and upland hammock. The intricate mosaic features flora and fauna alike with each tier of the outdoor amphitheater introducing a new natural element to explore. Not only is the mosaic a beautifully crafted piece, but it also speaks to the mission of the park too, as a place for the community to gather, play, learn, and grow.

The artists, Wendy Mandel McDaniel and Tomlinson Master, involved the community in the production process of the piece from children creating fossil flora tiles to the retirees of Vicars Landing gluing tiles to mesh. The year-long project is an example of a piece created for the community by the community in a profound and lasting way. At the unveiling of the mosaic, the St. Johns Cultural Council announced the free concert series that was held there.

Those interested can find a detailed catalog of the fauna highlighted within the mosaic on the Scenic & Historic A1A site.