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.
THE MAGIC OF BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE EVERGLADES
Pedro Lastra
Discover the exotic beauty of the Everglade’s fauna along the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm. The Anhinga Trail is one of North America’s premier birding sites during the winter. Hundreds of migrating and resident birds will be available for you to photograph as you exercise your photography skills in the field. Discover herons, egrets, ibis, purple gallinules, storks, bitterns, anhingas, cormorants, raptors and reptiles as they fly, fish, hunt and nest. This workshop will cover instruction in how to use your cameras effectively to capture the beauty and drama that will unfold during the winter visit of a host of migrating birds to the Everglades. Single Lens Reflex Cameras and Advanced Point and Shoot cameras are highly recommended. A zoom or telephoto lens of at least 300mm (6x) is needed for frame-filling bird photographs. This class is not for beginners. Please bring a water bottle, a camera and tripod that you are familiar with and wear appropriate, comfortable clothing and walking shoes. A general map to the Everglades National Park’s entrance will be provided.
7:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Section A: Saturdays, January 16 – 23 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Friday, January 8
6:45 to 11:00 a.m.
Section B: Saturdays, February 20 – 27 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Friday, February 12
Fee per section: Members, $100; Non-members, $150
SLOUGH SLOG IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Everglades National Park ranger-led
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 2 ½ hours, while actual walking time is about 60 minutes. The terrain is uneven and the water level may be knee deep. This interactive walk will provide you with excellent photo opportunities. This program is moderately strenuous. Wear old lace-up tennis shoes, socks, and long pants that can get wet or muddy. The tour includes the use of a slough slog (walking) stick. You’ll receive an Everglades National Park souvenir water bottle.
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Section A: Saturday, January 16 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, January 8
Section B: Saturday, February 27 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, February 19
Fee per section: Members, $25; Non-member, $35
BIKE RIDE/HIKE IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Everglades National Park ranger-led
Explore the Everglades on bicycle! Ride along the Old Ingraham Highway through Paradise Key Hammock, explore the remains of historic Royal Palm Lodge, discover the most diverse habitat in the Everglades, and explore the exciting Hole in the Donut restoration project. Be one of the last to enjoy the fabulous views and birding from “Mt. Schinus” while it’s still standing. A limited amount of bikes/helmets* can be provided by Everglades National Park or bring your own. A Ranger will lead you on this interesting bike ride/hike while interpreting the areas. This bike/hike is moderately demanding and all participants must sign a “Liability Waiver”. All participants must wear a bike helmet, no exceptions. Amount of time on bike/hike is 2 ½ hours. Registration is required. *Everglades National Park can provide 10 park bikes based on registration and demand. Registered participates may also use their own all-terrain bikes and helmets. If bringing your own bike, an all-terrain bike and helmet is required for the trail. You should also bring a light snack and water. Don’t be disappointed; register early as space is limited to 20 participants 18 years and older. The Park entrance fee will be waived and participants will receive an Everglades National Park souvenir water bottle.
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 13 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, January 29
Fee: Members, $25; Non-member, $35
CANOE TRIP THROUGH NINE MILE POND IN THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Everglades National Park ranger-led
Join a ranger for a guided canoe trip on the Nine Mile Pond canoe trail through freshwater marsh and dense mangrove canopy. Nine Mile Pond canoe trail is actually a five mile trail. But we’ll take the shortcut for a 2.5 mile canoe trip. Scan the water and edges of the pond for anhingas, cormorants, herons, great egrets, and other feathered feeders. Look for floating “logs” with eyes; often, shy alligators are spotted amongst the cattails. This four hour ranger-led Park program is limited to a total of 20 participants ages 18 and older. Registered participants must sign a “Liability Waiver”
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 20 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, February 8
Fee: Members, $25; Non-member, $35
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, March 13 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, March 5
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35
STARLIGHT WALK IN THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Everglades National Park ranger-led
Experience the Anhinga Trail by starlight! Night herons, pig frogs, fireflies and gator eyes create a completely different atmosphere on the trail at night. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Flashlights recommended. Appropriate for families and is ADA accessible.
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, March 11
Fee: Members, $25; Non-member, $35
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