Saturday, November 1 · 9am - 5pm EDT
Friends of Big Cypress invites you to a special day hosted by Clyde and Niki Butcher at their Big Cypress Gallery. Discover the wonders of the swamp with guided walks, engaging educational booths, and opportunities to meet Clyde in the gallery. Hear inspiring talks from Clyde, Preserve Rangers, biologists, and passionate volunteers, and enjoy delicious bites from the on-site food truck. This unforgettable event brings together art, nature, and conservation in a truly meaningful way. Overflow parking is at the Oasis Visitor Center, with free shuttle service all day.
Register and choose your adventure below! All proceeds support the Swamp Water And Me Program (learn more), providing environmental education for local 6th graders.
52388 Tamiami Trail East Ochopee, FL 34141
(Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery)
Meet & Greet
FREE
Shallow Walk
$35-50 per person
Classic Walk
SOLD OUT
VIP Experience
$250 per person
FREE Meet & Greet
A day of discovery, nature, and community in Big Cypress. This free event invites you to explore Clyde and Niki Butcher’s beautiful gallery grounds, meet the Butcher family, and enjoy engaging educational booths hosted by Big Cypress National Preserve Rangers.
While admission is free, we ask that you please register and choose a morning or afternoon arrival time. This helps us ensure a great experience for all attendees.
Meet Clyde and Niki Butcher
Book Signing
Self-guided tour on a paved accessible trail behind the gallery
Meet Rangers - educational stations
Food truck with convenient dining options available
Shallow Walk
Experience the beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve on a guided Shallow Walk through a shaded cypress strand. Choose between a 30-minute moderately challenging walk or a 20-minute youth walk that’s easy and perfect for young children. Along the way, discover orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and the wildlife that thrive in this fragile wilderness.
1-hour experience including check-in and changing clothes
30-minute guided swamp walk
Shallow waters up to 2.5 ft deep
For youth walks, the guide focuses on engaging, age-appropriate interactions
Long pants recommended and closed toed shoes required
Bring a change of clothes
Less strenuous than the classic walk
Includes access to the gallery and ranger activities
Classic Walk
Journey into the wild heart of Big Cypress National Preserve. You will experience some of the habitat diversity that this amazing ecosystem is known for as you explore a wet prairie and the depths of a shaded cypress strand with a knowledgeable guide. Encounter rare and endangered orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and perhaps elusive wildlife that make this fragile wilderness their home.
2-hour experience including check-in and changing clothes
1.5-hour guided swamp walk
Deep water up to 4.5 ft deep, may be challenging
Must be 48" or taller to participate (youth are welcome as long as they are tall enough)
Long pants and closed toed shoes recommended
Bring a change of clothes
Includes access to the gallery and ranger activities
VIP Experience
Enjoy an elevated experience with exclusive access to Clyde Butcher’s private, air-conditioned Swamp Cottage. Take in sweeping views of Big Cypress, relax in comfort, and enjoy refreshments throughout the day. VIP tickets include all event activities, access to guided swamp walks, special gifts, and more.
Access to Clyde’s private Swamp Cottage
Warm hospitality from a Friends of Big Cypress team member
Refreshments, including non-alcoholic drinks and hors d’oeuvres
One swamp walk ticket (choose your preferred time when you arrive)
Friends of Big Cypress ball cap
A special gift from Clyde
Full access to all event booths, gallery exhibits, and activities
