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With Dry Season Arriving, More Things To Do At Big Cypress National Preserve

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By NPT Staff - November 7th, 2015

With drier weather descending on Florida for the winter, more activities are being scheduled at Big Cypress National Preserve, from star shows to festivals.

Staff at Big Cypress National Preserve have arranged a number of free opportunities for the whole family to enjoy, from guided canoe trips and swamp walks, to festivals and star gazing. Programs and activities begin November 22 and go through April of 2016.

Highlights of activities through April include:

* The 5th annual Big Cypress Swamp Heritage Festival, Saturday, December 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held annually on the first Saturday of December on the grounds of the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, 33000 Tamimai Trail East, Ochopee, Florida. This festival introduces visitors to the variety of people who have a deep connection to the Big Cypress Swamp, today and in the past. Enjoy regional music, food, informational presentations and exhibits. This years keynote presenters are author Carl Hiassen and photographer Clyde Butcher. For more details go to - http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/swampheritagefestival.htm

* Big Cypress Star Parties, Saturdays December 5, January 9, February 6 and March 5. Starting at 8 p.m. on the grounds of the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center. Through the cooperation of partner astronomical societies, explore the celestial sky and one of the darkest night skies on the eastern U. S. coast. For more details visit - http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/astronomy-programs.htm

* Ranger-led Tamiami Trail Triathlon, Sundays December 20, January 24, February 21, or March 6th. For reservations call, 239-695-3311. Hike three miles of trail from the Oasis Visitor Center, and in Everglades National Park bicycle the 15-mile loop at Shark Valley, then paddle roundtrip from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to Sandfly Island. Complete all three activities and earn the title “Tamiami Trail Triathlon Finisher.” Bring your own bicycle, canoe/kayak, or rent one. For more information on doing the activities on your own go to - http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/tamiami-trail-triathlon.htm

* Big Work at Big Cypress is an exhibit featuring former artist-in-residence Patricia Cummins. On display at the national preserve visitor centers from November through January. This exhibit reflects the artist's interaction and interpretation of the landscapes of the Big Cypress. Cummins' pastel and oil paintings aim to connect the viewer to the deeper beauty of this unique landscape. An artist reception, along with a special viewing of second generation wildlife filmmaker Richard Kern's Ghost of the Western Glades, will be held at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, 33000 Tamimai Trail East, Ochopee, FL on Saturday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m.

* Fire Prairie Trail Bike Ride, Saturdays January 16, February 13, and March 12, at 10 a.m. (around 4 hours). Ride on a raised trail over moderate terrain. Bring your bicycle, water, food, and sun protection. Meet a park ranger at the Fire Prairie Trail access point along Turner River Road 14 miles north of U.S. 41. Explore a part of Big Cypress many may not be familiar with. Reservations required call 239-695-4758.

For information on these and other programs go to - http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/ranger-led-activities.htm or call one of the national preserve visitor centers at 239-695-1201 or 4758. Due to popularity some activities may require advance reservations, check out the complete ranger-led activity schedule on our website for details.

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