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Swamp Celebration 2024
October 19, 2024 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Join us for a fun-filled day supporting education and conservation!
Experience an unforgettable day at Big Cypress Gallery, join Clyde Butcher and The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks at Big Cypress Gallery for this special event supporting the “Swamp Water And Me Program” (S.W.A.M.P.) for 6th graders in Collier County public and private schools. This program aims to educate students about the Big Cypress Watershed and its wildlife through guides, workshops, ranger visits, and field trips, fostering environmental stewardship and conservation awareness among young learners.
Event Details: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary!
Step into the heart of the Everglades and celebrate 50 years of the Big Cypress National Preserve! Meet Clyde and Niki Butcher from 10 am to 3 pm. Dive into a day of fun with a lively meet and greet, explore their beautiful 13-acre property on a self-guided tour, and engage with enthusiastic National Park Rangers. Learn about this vast ecosystem through environmental outdoor educational exhibits and demonstrations, and take your adventure to the next level with our customized swamp walk tours, offering a one-of-a-kind journey through this remarkable ecosystem. Enjoy lunch or snacks from our food truck and admire breathtaking Big Cypress-inspired artwork. Don’t miss the exciting book signing, with proceeds supporting the Preserve.
Entry Donation $15 per person
– Children free
– Choose morning (10 am -12 pm) or afternoon (1 pm-3 pm) tickets
– Meet Clyde and Niki Butcher
– Book Signing
– Self-guided tour on a paved accessible trail behind the gallery.
– Meet Rangers – educational stations
– Food truck with convenient dining options available
– Percentage of gallery sales donated to S.W.A.M.P.
– Ticket does not include a swamp walk tour
Deep Swamp Walk Tour $75 per person
– 2-hour guided swamp walk through waist to chest-deep water
– Choose your time slot 8 am – 4:00 pm
– Challenging walk with submerged obstacles and uneven footing
– Must be 48″ or taller to participate
– Discover the cypress strand nestled beneath towering cypress trees, adorned with ferns, orchids, and bromeliads.
– Includes entry donation to Swamp Celebration.
Shallow Swamp Walk $50 per person
– 45-minute guided swamp walk in shallow waters up to 3 ft deep.
– Choose your time slot 8 am – 4:00 pm
– Less strenuous than the deep walk
– Discover the cypress strand nestled beneath towering cypress trees, adorned with ferns, orchids, and bromeliads.
– Includes entry donation to Swamp Celebration.
KIDS Swamp Walk $35 per person
– 30-minute swamp walk in shallow water for kids with their parents
– Depth of water could reach up to 2 ft.
– Guide specializes in kid-friendly interpretation
– Learn about fun animals like frogs, gators, snakes, and more
– Includes entry donation to Swamp Celebration.
Clothing and Equipment
– Wear clothes that can get wet and muddy.
– Closed-toe shoes with laces (old sneakers work best) are required. Avoid rubber boots or waders.
– Long pants are recommended (no shorts).
– Bring a change of dry clothes and shoes for after your walk.
– Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle. There will be a refill station available.
– Bring a hat, sunblock, and insect repellant (we will have #rangerready bug spray available).
– Arrive dressed in your swamp walk clothes.
– Walking sticks will be provided for everyone.
– No rubber boots, waders, sandals, or bare feet.
– Demonstrations and experiments with National Park rangers
– Food Truck