By Jennifer Kennedy
Tessa Skiles started her filmmaking career at an age when most children are still watching cartoons. She was eight years old when she wrote and starred in her first documentary. “A Young Voice for Florida Springs” was a collaboration with her father, National Geographic underwater cinematographer and cave diving pioneer Wes Skiles.
Conservation Roots
Her passion stemmed from watching the award-winning pioneer and activist navigate the complex atmosphere of environmental conservation policy in Florida. For years, she soaked up his knowledge while listening to his speeches. In her young life, Skiles had already witnessed a decline in the health of the freshwater springs. The project ignited her mission to inspire others to protect the planet.
Raised in High Springs by a family of explorers, Skiles’s connection to nature began at an early age. From her first dip in a spring at three months old to her first scuba dive at the age of six, she was captivated by the underwater world.
Growing up, Skiles traveled the world and participated in expeditions with her family. Her favorite childhood memories include enjoying the water with her mother and brother while waiting for her father to emerge from a cave system. She explored the popular, well-known systems like Ginnie and Troy Springs, as well as secret, hidden private springs in Florida’s untamed wilderness that no one else got to see. The budding naturalist yearned to capture the beauty she was surrounded by, which sparked an interest in photography.
Conservation Future
Witnessing her late father’s lifelong dedication to conservation inspired her to continue his advocacy. Today, Skiles is a documentary filmmaker, underwater cinematographer and Conservation Programs Manager for Conservation Florida. The statewide land conservancy works diligently from Pensacola to the Keys to enhance the health of wildlife, waterways and wild spaces. The nonprofit has had a hand in protecting 50,000 acres since its inception and 10,000 acres last year alone.
“What we pave and what we save will determine Florida’s future,” Skiles said. “The time to act is now.”
Skiles sees the harsh reality the planet faces, but she does not let it hinder her progress. When overwhelmed, she steps away from the negative news, reconnects with nature and draws on memories of expeditions with her father. The majestic beauty she experienced during her first cave exploration is the driving force behind her work.
The father-daughter team was in Ginny Springs Cavern. She was glued to his hip as he shined his light through the dark abyss. Daylight was only visible through a small crack when they moved into the belly of the cave. Eventually, they relied solely on the dive lights through complete darkness. Seeing the vastness of the aquifer in person was entirely different than in photos. They had entered a completely new world under the ground others walk on.
“We had it all to ourselves and I could suddenly appreciate his draw to explore deeper,” Skiles said. “I could finally understand how truly vast and interconnected our aquifer is.”
