Group of people gathered around a table in a forest, receiving information from a guide at a nature or eco-tourism event.
Three people hiking through a flooded forest trail, with lush green ferns and tall trees surrounding them. One woman is pointing, wearing a pink jacket and hat, carrying a walking stick. A man is carrying a young girl in a blue backpack carrier.
A group of people exploring a shallow stream in a forest, one person taking photos, others holding walking sticks, dressed in outdoor gear.
A young girl wearing a khaki shirt and red cap wading through a swamp or flooded forest with adults following behind her, surrounded by dense green foliage.
A woman with a backpack getting information from a man at an outdoor event booth about outdoor adventure activities, with a banner displaying images of people camping and hiking, and a tent in the background.
Two women hiking through a flooded forest, walking through water with trees and ferns around them, using trekking poles for support.
Person crouching in a shallow creek, taking a photograph of a small animal or object on a mossy log, surrounded by trees and green foliage.
A group of people participating in a guided outdoor educational activity in a swampy forest, listening to a man speaking, surrounded by trees and water.
A group of people talking outdoors at an event, with a woman in a navy blue shirt explaining something to a man, woman, and girl, next to a booth with informational materials.
Group of five people hiking through a flooded forest, wading through water amongst trees, some smiling and talking.
A man in a grey hoodie browsing framed black and white photographs in an art gallery, with more photos displayed on the walls and leaning on white racks.
Group of people wading through a creek in a forest, some with walking sticks, enjoying a nature hike, smiling and chatting.
A woman and two children at an outdoor educational exhibit in a forest, examining animal furs and skulls laid out on a green table.

Come join one of our events!

Friends of Big Cypress National Preserve builds awareness, engagement and care for our unique ecosystem through several events throughout the year. We invite you to explore, learn, and protect this land by joining us at one of them.

From hands-on events like our annual S.W.A.M.P Wander to more formal fundraising galas, our goal is to generate support and understanding of the importance of Big Cypress National Preserve

Invitation graphic for swamp water and me program with bold text, a splash graphic, and a small frog illustration.

November 1

Join us for a day of discovery, nature, and community in the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve! Hosted by Clyde and Niki Butcher, wander the beautiful grounds of their gallery, meet them, and connect with their family and Friends of Big Cypress.

Rangers from the Preserve will host engaging educational booths, and guided Swamp Walks will be offered throughout the day. Swamp Walk tour tickets are available, and all proceeds support the Swamp Water And Me Program (learn more), providing environmental education for local 6th graders.

Two women hiking through a swampy forest, wading through water with sticks, surrounded by trees and green foliage.
An elderly man with a long white beard, glasses, and a wide-brimmed hat sitting at a table, signing a book. The background features a black and white photograph of a lake and sky.
A woman in a ranger uniform engaging in conversation with a visitor at a nature conservation event in a wooded area, with informational booths and tents in the background.

Clyde Butcher Gallery
52388 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141

Located near mile marker 54.5

Register

December 6

Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor’s Center
33000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL. 34141

Big Cypress is a place where ‘Art Meets the Wild’. Join us for this family friendly event to enjoy cultural demonstrations, thrilling stories, local music and explore the ways in which people have found endless inspiration in the swamp. We strive to provide opportunities to learn about the different lens’ that people look through to see Big Cypress National Preserve.  

There will be exhibits from our environmental and historical partners, hands-on activities for kids and tasty treats from local food trucks.

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