Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Everglades National Park have partnered to share the beauty of these two local natural resources that bring so much history and culture to our community. The institutions share educational and research missions focused on preserving natural resources and establishing education programs; and both encourage and promote the public use of and benefits from outdoor activities. Through Fairchild, our urban community can get a closer look into the Everglades without ever leaving the city. Fairchild’s winter season will offer lectures and classes that focus on the unique habitat of the Everglades. We are delighted to open your eyes to the amazing natural resource comprised of approximately 1.5 million acres of subtropical flora and fauna that is in our backyard: Everglades National Park.

AFTERNOON SLOUGH SLOG IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
ENP Ranger Led

What better way to celebrate National Public Lands Day (September 25th) than to be in the Everglades! One of the best ways to experience the Everglades landscape is to get wet! Explore your adventurous side and take this opportunity to enjoy Everglades National Park with an expert. Venture off-trail into the glades with a park ranger and visit the mysterious and beautiful world of a cypress dome or gator hole along the way. Walking in the slough is the best way to see and understand the River of Grass. This exciting tour will last 2½ hours, while actual walking time is about 60 minutes. The terrain is uneven and the water level may be knee deep this time of year. This interactive walk will provide you with excellent photo opportunities. This program is also moderately strenuous. Wear long sleeves, old laced-up tennis shoes, socks, and long pants that can get wet or muddy. The tour includes the use of a slough slog (walking) stick, and a souvenir water bottle. Bring insect repellent. Rain will not cancel the slog; however the ENP Ranger may adjust the program to avoid thunderstorms. The Park’s entrance fee will be waived with registration and a map will be provided. 

5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, September 16
Fee: Members, $25 Non-members, $35 

FALL MIGRATION BIRD WALK – EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
ENP Ranger Led

If you delight in the splendor of watching birds in their native habitats, then you’ll savor every moment of this ranger-led bird watching trip in Everglades National Park. The park boasts over 350 species. During fall migration you may see many species of songbirds and birds of prey migrating south for the winter. You are also likely to see cormorants, herons, egrets, ospreys, and shorebirds, large and small. The Park’s entrance fee will be waived and a map will be provided. NOTE: This walk will begin at the Flamingo Visitor Center. Be prepared to drive your car to nearby birding spots. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have them). 

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 2 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 21
Fee: Members, $25 Non-members, $35 

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK BIKE RIDE IN SHARK VALLEY
ENP Ranger Led

Come join an Everglades National Park Ranger in an adventure through the River of Grass… The 15-mile Shark Valley loop provides an opportunity to get to the heart of the Everglades, see a variety of birds and alligators, and enjoy a spectacular view from the observation tower. October, the end of the wet season, is the best time of the year to appreciate how water brings life and the promise of continuity of the natural cycle to this unique ecosystem. Participants must provide their own road, mountain or hybrid bicycle and MUST wear a helmet. Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunblock, repellent and a snack. This 2.5 hour morning ride with interpretive stops is limited to 15 participants. Registered participants must sign a “Liability Waiver” and will meet at the North/Shark Valley entrance to the Everglades. The Park’s entrance fee will be waived with registration and a map will be provided. 

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 30 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 19
Fee: Members, $25 Non-members, $35 

MOONLIGHT WALK IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
ENP Ranger Led

Experience the Everglades on the Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm entrance) by moonlight! The night and the wildlife will come alive under the moon. See night herons, pig frogs, fireflies and gator eyes as they create a completely different atmosphere on the trail at night. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Flashlights recommended. Appropriate for all ages and is ADA accessible. The Park’s entrance fee will be waived with registration and a map will be provided. 

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 20 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, November 11
Fee: Members, $25 Non-members, $35 

PHOTOGRAPHING THE EVERGLADES AT SUNSET
Pedro Lastra

Experienced photographers will not want to miss this opportunity to photograph in the Everglades at the magic hour - sunset. Join photography instructor, Pedro Lastra, as he takes you on a very special photo shoot of egrets, herons, ibis and raptors as they are actively getting their last meal of the day and roosting for the night. Weather permitting, you will see the sunset illuminate the Everglades ecosystem at the Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm entrance). This class is not for beginners and will involve a good deal of walking. Cameras and lenses with telephoto capabilities as well as a sturdy tripod are required. Please wear appropriate, comfortable clothing and walking shoes and bring a water bottle. The Park’s entrance fee will be waived with registration and a map will be provided. 

4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 4 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, November 22
Fee: Members, $60; Non-member, $85

EVERGLADES WILDFLOWER WALK
Roger Hammer

Discover the beauty of the Everglades on this leisurely hike along the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park. Our experienced naturalist is also a delightful raconteur. You'll enjoy this walk whether you are a plant expert or just interested in learning more. Directions and an Everglades National Park entrance waiver will be provided upon registration. You will meet at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center parking lot in Everglades National Park. Transportation is not provided. 

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, December 11 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 30
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

SUNSET AND STARLIGHT WALK IN THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
ENP Ranger Led

Imagine being on the Anhinga Trail at the end of the day: the birds and animals are busy feeding before bedding down for the night, and the sky is exploding with color as the sun starts to dip below the horizon. Night falls. And once your eyes adjust to the dark, there’s a whole other world around and above you, a world filled with night noises and millions of stars. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Flashlights recommended. Appropriate for families and ADA accessible. Directions and an Everglades National Park entrance waiver will be provided upon registration. 

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 11 (one session)
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 1
Fee: Members, $25; Non-member, $35