Earth Day Cleanup at Big Cypress

Just beyond Tamiami Trail lies one of Southwest Florida’s most expansive and ecologically rich landscapes—Big Cypress National Preserve. On Saturday, April 18, the public is invited to take part in protecting this treasured wilderness during an Earth Day cleanup event aimed at preserving its beauty for generations to come. 

Hosted at H.P. Williams Wayside Park from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the event welcomes volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Participants will gather at the park before heading out to Wagonwheel Road, where cleanup efforts will focus on removing litter and restoring natural areas within the preserve. 

The event is about more than just picking up trash—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature while making a tangible impact. All necessary cleanup supplies will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to come prepared with closed-toe shoes, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and hats for sun protection. 

Spanning over 729,000 acres across Collier, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties, Big Cypress National Preserve is a mosaic of diverse habitats, including cypress swamps, pinelands, sawgrass prairies, and mangrove estuaries. Established in 1974 as the nation’s first national preserve, it represents a unique balance between conservation and traditional uses, honoring the deep cultural ties of the Miccosukee Tribe and Seminole Tribe of Florida. 

The preserve is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, from the endangered Florida panther to the American alligator, ghost orchid, and more than 200 species of birds. It also holds the designation of an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the clearest night skies in the eastern United States. 

Despite its protected status, areas within Big Cypress are still vulnerable to pollution and human impact—making volunteer efforts like this Earth Day cleanup critical to maintaining the health of the ecosystem. 

Whether you’re a longtime nature enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a Saturday morning, the cleanup offers a chance to step into one of Florida’s wildest landscapes and leave it better than you found it. 

Register to join the cleanup at https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000009IWInYAO/big-cypress-earth-day-cleanup. For more information, participants can contact event coordinator Nicole Enriquez-Montoya at nicole_enriquezmontoya@partner.nps.gov or call 786-651-4985.