End of Season Events

In the Everglades, the end of season is “ending” with a bang – with lots and lots to do this weekend. On Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 AM, you can take “A Walk on the Wild Side” in Big Cypress National Preserve to experience the spring wildflowers (with a second walk scheduled for 9:30 AM). For more information and to make reservations, call 239-695-1164 or email lisa_anadrews@nps.gov. Then, travel back to Everglades City where you can enjoy a free pancake breakfast from 10 AM until noon, sponsored by Wings 10,000 Islands Tours, at the Everglades Airpark. Everyone is welcome! For information, call Chuck at (239) 695-3296.

Just beyond the Airpark heading south towards Chokoloskee, stop by the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center where you can explore the “Lost World of the Calusa Indians.” Take a boat tour to the Turner River Mounds during one of several trips this Saturday at 9, 9:15, 11 and 11:15 AM. The cost is $40 per adult and reservations may be made online at www.evergladesnationalparkboattoursgulfcoast.com or telephone 239-695-3311. Other events include a boat tour to Sandfly Island at 1 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $30.00 with reservations made online. Calusa Nature Walks and craft demonstrations with exhibits will also be held during the weekend.

If you’re in Naples on March 23rd, be sure to meet Danielle Swisher for her first book signing at Barnes & Noble at the Waterside Shops from 2 PM to 4 PM. This Everglades City School graduate has written “Murder on O’Hollow’s Eve and Other Short Stories” and “The Adventures of Travis and Asrid, Book I, The Europe Blogs.” For information, phone 239-280-8971 or 239-598-5200.

The following weekend, on Friday, March 30th, will be the last opportunity of the season to take the Coastal Cruise to historic Fakahatchee Island. Learn about the early settlers who made Fakahatchee Island their home and see the remains of the island’s cemetery. Guided by a naturalist, learn about the native plants and non-native plants, the life of the Calusa and early pioneers. See local wildlife such as dolphin, osprey, pelicans and other native birds. The cost is $75 per person. For information and reservations, call 239-695-1023 or visit website www.orchidswamp.org.

Don’t forget to register early for the April 7th annual Everglades Bike Ride at McLeod Park in Everglades City. This event is sponsored by Naples Pathways Coalition and will include both on road and off-road bicycle rides. For full details visit website www.naplespathways.org and click on “Stay & Play Everglades Ride” on the left side of the home page, or call Patty Huff at (239) 695-2397.

For more information about what’s happening in the Everglades City area, visit www.evergladesmulletrapper.com.

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