Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery
52388 Tamiami Trail East Ochopee, FL 34141
Join us Saturday, October 24th!
Friends of Big Cypress invites you to a special day hosted by Clyde and Niki Butcher at their beautiful Big Cypress Gallery property. This unforgettable event brings together the community for art, nature, and conservation in a truly meaningful way.
Meet Clyde Butcher and hear his stories about the swamp
Engage with local organizations and NPS rangers
Register for a guided swamp walk, below (several adventure options are available)
Win artwork and experiences during the raffle
Hear live music by Jack Shealy
Enjoy the on-site food truck
Admission to the grounds and parking is free! We provide overflow parking is at the Oasis Visitor Center, with free shuttle service all day. All proceeds support the Swamp Water And Me Program (learn more), providing environmental education for local 6th graders.
Register for the free event, and choose your adventure below!
Reserve your perfect Swamp Wander day!
Whether you want a VIP experience, hope to wade into the swamp, or just plan to enjoy the grounds, we have an option for you!
Discovery Tour - $50/person
Experience the beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve on a guided Discovery Walk through a shaded cypress strand. A 30-minute walk that’s perfect for children or just as a way to get your feet wet. 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 Tour - $100/person
Journey into the wild heart of Big Cypress National Preserve on a 90-minute walk. 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 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
Ecology Expedition - $200/person
Designed for curious explorers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this in-depth walk offers a closer look at the Everglades’ rich plant life, diverse habitats, and ecological dynamics. Spend three hours immersed in the swamp while learning how its flora, fauna, hydrology, and seasonal cycles work together to sustain this globally significant and remarkably interconnected ecosystem.
-
3-hour experience including check-in and changing clothes
2.5-hour guided swamp walk
Everglades master naturalist guide
Deep water up to 4 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 - $300/person
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 (excluding Eco Expeditions) during your VIP time slot, 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). Excludes Eco Expedition.
Friends of Big Cypress ball cap
A special gift from Clyde
Full access to all event booths, gallery exhibits, and activities
Pre-Order your event t-shirt!
We are only printing enough shirts for those who order before the event. Add a $40 donation to your order by adding an "Event T-Shirt" ticket at checkout.
Become an Event Sponsor
This event is possible because of sponsors who are dedicated to protecting and preserving Big Cypress National Preserve.
Interested in being a recognized partner of S.W.A.M.P. Wander?
Find out more how your company can be recognized both here and at the event. Email us at info@fobcnp.org for more details or click here.
Brett Baldwin
Sherri May
Susan Jones
Need more reasons to visit?
The below activities are free to the public and are included with each ticket purchase. Not going on a tour but still want to enjoy the gallery and participate in the below? No purchase is required! We just ask that you RSVP for a morning or afternoon time slot to help us manage the crowd.
Meet Clyde Butcher
Live Music byJack Shealy
Artwork &
Experiences Raffle
Food Truck
