Big Cypress Celebration

The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks welcomed Floridians from all over South Florida to join them in celebrating Big Cypress National Preserve. Community members laced up their boots last Saturday morning for the Big Cypress Celebration at Burns Lake Campground.

The day began early, with immersive 90-minute guided walks and shorter 30-minute introductory hikes stepping off at 8:30 AM, inviting participants to experience the preserve on foot. Attendees were encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes that could get wet, along with hats, sun protection, and — perhaps most importantly — curiosity.

Although most of the water had dried up, the immersive walks led participants into the landscape itself, offering opportunities to observe native plants and the layered ecology that makes Big Cypress National Preserve one of South Florida’s most iconic wild spaces.

At 10:00 AM, William “Popeye” J. Osceola, Secretary of the Miccosukee Business Council, addressed the crowd, followed by live music by Gator Nate, a famous Floridian figure known for his bluegrass and folk tunes. At noon, Miami-based artist and muralist DaveL led a guided painting activity, inviting participants to translate their experience of the landscape onto canvas.

Limited onsite camping allowed some attendees to extend their stay, transforming the celebration into an overnight experience immersed in the heart of wild Florida.

By blending guided exploration, Indigenous leadership, art and music, the event offered more than a festival atmosphere — it created space for connection to Florida’s wild roots.