Field Trips on Friday, November 9th
You're in Panther Country
Welcome to Panther Country. Care to look around? We've got more fantastic field trips planned as part of this year's Festival.
Take a look below at all our options. Reservations are required for field trips, so reserve your spot early!
Make your reservation according to the instructions for your desired field trip.
CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail Hike
Photo by: Kathy Broyard
- Reservations Required -
Cost: $10 per person ($5 for CREW Trust members)
Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Maximum Attendees: 20
Description: Join a CREW Land & Water Trust staff member for a guided hike along these CREW trails where panthers, deer, & black bears roam and alligators bask in the sun. Bird Rookery Swamp is the southernmost section of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) which is owned and managed by the South Florida Water Management District. The entire 12-mile loop trail includes a 1400-foot long boardwalk and winds through a beautiful cypress and maple swamp adjacent to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. We’ll explore only a part of the trails (about 3 miles), talking about panthers and their prey, and looking for animal signs. We’ll share how panthers are using CREW lands and why protecting these lands are important to the quality of life in southwest Florida.
Where to Meet: CREW Bird Rookery Swamp – 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd. W, Naples, FL
Directions to Meeting Place:
From Fort Myers/Naples: From I-75, take exit 111 and turn east (away from Naples) on Immokalee Road (CR 846). Travel 11.4 miles and turn left onto Shady Hollow Blvd. Parking lot is 1.5 miles ahead on the right.
From Immokalee: Travel west (toward Naples) on CR 846 (Immokalee Road) for approximately 16 miles. Turn right on Shady Hollow Blvd. Travel 1.5 miles north to parking area/gate.
Limitations: Must be able to walk about 3 miles and be on your feet for three hours.
Additional Information: There is one port-o-potty available on this trip.
What to Bring: Water, sun protection, cameras, binoculars, field guides.
What to Wear: Clothing appropriate for the weather, hat, comfortable hiking shoes.
How to Register and Pay: Call 239-657-2253 or email eecrew@earthlink.net, then mail contact info and non-refundable check ($10/person) made out to Defenders of Wildlife to: CREW Land & Water Trust, 23998 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928 no later than October 26th, 2012.
Cost: $10 per person ($5 for CREW Trust members)
Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Maximum Attendees: 20
Description: Join a CREW Land & Water Trust staff member for a guided hike along these CREW trails where panthers, deer, & black bears roam and alligators bask in the sun. Bird Rookery Swamp is the southernmost section of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) which is owned and managed by the South Florida Water Management District. The entire 12-mile loop trail includes a 1400-foot long boardwalk and winds through a beautiful cypress and maple swamp adjacent to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. We’ll explore only a part of the trails (about 3 miles), talking about panthers and their prey, and looking for animal signs. We’ll share how panthers are using CREW lands and why protecting these lands are important to the quality of life in southwest Florida.
Where to Meet: CREW Bird Rookery Swamp – 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd. W, Naples, FL
Directions to Meeting Place:
From Fort Myers/Naples: From I-75, take exit 111 and turn east (away from Naples) on Immokalee Road (CR 846). Travel 11.4 miles and turn left onto Shady Hollow Blvd. Parking lot is 1.5 miles ahead on the right.
From Immokalee: Travel west (toward Naples) on CR 846 (Immokalee Road) for approximately 16 miles. Turn right on Shady Hollow Blvd. Travel 1.5 miles north to parking area/gate.
Limitations: Must be able to walk about 3 miles and be on your feet for three hours.
Additional Information: There is one port-o-potty available on this trip.
What to Bring: Water, sun protection, cameras, binoculars, field guides.
What to Wear: Clothing appropriate for the weather, hat, comfortable hiking shoes.
How to Register and Pay: Call 239-657-2253 or email eecrew@earthlink.net, then mail contact info and non-refundable check ($10/person) made out to Defenders of Wildlife to: CREW Land & Water Trust, 23998 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928 no later than October 26th, 2012.
Big Cypress National Preserve - Bear Island - Panther Bike Ride
- Reservations Required -
Cost: $10 per person
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Maximum Attendees: 15
Description: Bike through the diverse habitats of Big Cypress National Preserve’s Bear Island Unit. This area is used as home range by the elusive Florida panther and a variety of other wildlife. Along your leisurely 14 mile ride, stop with a ranger at several stations to look for signs of panther, learn about their habitat, find out what Big Cypress biologists do to study the big cat and other interesting facts about Florida panthers. Keep your eyes peeled, we have often seen panthers on this trip!
Where to Meet: Big Cypress National Preserve Bear Island Entrance on hwy 29. Arrive by 8:15 to have time to unload bikes, air tires, etc. and be ready to bike at 8:30.
Directions to Meeting Place:
Take Hwy 75 to exit #80 (hwy29)
Travel north on hwy 29 four miles
On the right hand side you will see a gate in the fencing and a sign "Panther Bike Ride".
Pull through the gate to park
Limitations: Must be 12 yrs of age or older. Must be able to bike 14 miles in hot conditions. Must be able to ride a bike for at least 4 hours - we will be stopping for several breaks.
Additional Information: Must have a "fat tire" type bike - mountain or hybrid bicycle. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. Limited restrooms throughout trip. Bring a lunch that does not have to be kept cold and will fit in your backpack. We will have a picnic out in the field and not return to the cars for lunch.
What to Bring: Bike, Water, snacks, sack lunch, bug spray, camera and binoculars.
What to Wear: Cool, comfortable clothing for biking; sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Dress for the weather; Closed toe shoes are highly recommended.
How to Register and Pay: Register by calling or emailing Lisa Andrews at 239-695-1164 or lisa_andrews@nps.gov. Then mail non-refundable check directly to Defenders of Wildlife, ATTN: Shannon Miller, 233 Third Street North - Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Cost: $10 per person
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Maximum Attendees: 15
Description: Bike through the diverse habitats of Big Cypress National Preserve’s Bear Island Unit. This area is used as home range by the elusive Florida panther and a variety of other wildlife. Along your leisurely 14 mile ride, stop with a ranger at several stations to look for signs of panther, learn about their habitat, find out what Big Cypress biologists do to study the big cat and other interesting facts about Florida panthers. Keep your eyes peeled, we have often seen panthers on this trip!
Where to Meet: Big Cypress National Preserve Bear Island Entrance on hwy 29. Arrive by 8:15 to have time to unload bikes, air tires, etc. and be ready to bike at 8:30.
Directions to Meeting Place:
Take Hwy 75 to exit #80 (hwy29)
Travel north on hwy 29 four miles
On the right hand side you will see a gate in the fencing and a sign "Panther Bike Ride".
Pull through the gate to park
Limitations: Must be 12 yrs of age or older. Must be able to bike 14 miles in hot conditions. Must be able to ride a bike for at least 4 hours - we will be stopping for several breaks.
Additional Information: Must have a "fat tire" type bike - mountain or hybrid bicycle. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. Limited restrooms throughout trip. Bring a lunch that does not have to be kept cold and will fit in your backpack. We will have a picnic out in the field and not return to the cars for lunch.
What to Bring: Bike, Water, snacks, sack lunch, bug spray, camera and binoculars.
What to Wear: Cool, comfortable clothing for biking; sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Dress for the weather; Closed toe shoes are highly recommended.
How to Register and Pay: Register by calling or emailing Lisa Andrews at 239-695-1164 or lisa_andrews@nps.gov. Then mail non-refundable check directly to Defenders of Wildlife, ATTN: Shannon Miller, 233 Third Street North - Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tour & History of Picayune Strand State Forest
- Reservations Required -
Cost: $10 per person
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Maximum Attendees: 10
Description: Learn the history of the Picayune Strand State Forest from members of the Florida Forest Service. Participants will take a van tour of the forest and visit one of the sites where efforts are underway to restore the flow of water into the Everglades, a federal project occurring, in part, on state-managed lands. The tour includes stops at key areas to learn about the flora and fauna of the area and management efforts to ensure the viability of the forest for generations to come. Discussion will include information about this area as critical habitat for Florida panthers. Participants will see and learn about the importance of fire in Florida’s ecosystems. The trip includes at least one short hike of ½ mile to visit one of the forest’s signature old cypress trees.
Where to Meet: Picayune Strand State Forest Field Office (2121 52nd Ave. SE, Naples) (http://goo.gl/maps/EbDf3).
Directions to Meeting Place:
From I-75 heading south: Take Exit 111 (Immokalee Road), turn left (East) on to Immokalee Road, and drive 3.3 miles east to Collier Boulevard (CR 951). Turn south (right) and drive 3.1 miles to Golden Gate Boulevard. Turn left onto Golden Gate Boulevard and drive 8.9 miles to Everglades Boulevard. Turn right on Everglades Boulevard and drive 6.1 miles to 52nd Ave. SE. Turn right on 52nd Ave. SE and go 1.2 miles until you see the field office on the right.
From Naples: Turn on to Golden Gate Boulevard (Note: Do not confuse Golden Gate Boulevard with Golden Gate Parkway) and drive 8.9 miles to Everglades Boulevard. Turn right on Everglades Boulevard and drive 6.1 miles to 52nd Ave. SE. Turn right on 52nd Ave. SE and go 1.2 miles until you see the field office on the right.
There is no public access to the forest from I-75 .
Limitations: The tour includes light hiking over uneven ground and may not be appropriate for all persons.
Additional Information: Restrooms are available for use at the field office prior to the start of the tour. No restrooms will be available during the tour.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, sunscreen, bug repellent, walking stick, binoculars, camera, and lots of questions.
What to Wear: Please monitor the weather and dress appropriately. Expect to be outside in the sun for significant portions of the tour. Long pants are recommended because we will hike in lightly wooded areas. Tennis shoes, hiking shoes or other close-toed shoes are highly recommended. Please do not wear sandals or flip-flops. A hat, sunglasses and other sun protection are similarly recommended.
How to Register and Pay: Call Deb Hanson at 239-657-2253, then mail non-refundable checks payable to Defenders of Wildlife, Attn: Shannon Miller, 233 Third Street North, Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Cost: $10 per person
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Maximum Attendees: 10
Description: Learn the history of the Picayune Strand State Forest from members of the Florida Forest Service. Participants will take a van tour of the forest and visit one of the sites where efforts are underway to restore the flow of water into the Everglades, a federal project occurring, in part, on state-managed lands. The tour includes stops at key areas to learn about the flora and fauna of the area and management efforts to ensure the viability of the forest for generations to come. Discussion will include information about this area as critical habitat for Florida panthers. Participants will see and learn about the importance of fire in Florida’s ecosystems. The trip includes at least one short hike of ½ mile to visit one of the forest’s signature old cypress trees.
Where to Meet: Picayune Strand State Forest Field Office (2121 52nd Ave. SE, Naples) (http://goo.gl/maps/EbDf3).
Directions to Meeting Place:
From I-75 heading south: Take Exit 111 (Immokalee Road), turn left (East) on to Immokalee Road, and drive 3.3 miles east to Collier Boulevard (CR 951). Turn south (right) and drive 3.1 miles to Golden Gate Boulevard. Turn left onto Golden Gate Boulevard and drive 8.9 miles to Everglades Boulevard. Turn right on Everglades Boulevard and drive 6.1 miles to 52nd Ave. SE. Turn right on 52nd Ave. SE and go 1.2 miles until you see the field office on the right.
From Naples: Turn on to Golden Gate Boulevard (Note: Do not confuse Golden Gate Boulevard with Golden Gate Parkway) and drive 8.9 miles to Everglades Boulevard. Turn right on Everglades Boulevard and drive 6.1 miles to 52nd Ave. SE. Turn right on 52nd Ave. SE and go 1.2 miles until you see the field office on the right.
There is no public access to the forest from I-75 .
Limitations: The tour includes light hiking over uneven ground and may not be appropriate for all persons.
Additional Information: Restrooms are available for use at the field office prior to the start of the tour. No restrooms will be available during the tour.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, sunscreen, bug repellent, walking stick, binoculars, camera, and lots of questions.
What to Wear: Please monitor the weather and dress appropriately. Expect to be outside in the sun for significant portions of the tour. Long pants are recommended because we will hike in lightly wooded areas. Tennis shoes, hiking shoes or other close-toed shoes are highly recommended. Please do not wear sandals or flip-flops. A hat, sunglasses and other sun protection are similarly recommended.
How to Register and Pay: Call Deb Hanson at 239-657-2253, then mail non-refundable checks payable to Defenders of Wildlife, Attn: Shannon Miller, 233 Third Street North, Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge Buggy Tour and Hike
Photo by: Sandy Mickey
- Reservations Required -
- Field Trip Full -
Cost: $10 per person
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Maximum Attendees: 24
Description: Join refuge staff and volunteers for a glimpse into the closed portions of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge where panthers roam and deer browse. Participants will join Refuge Biologist Larry Richardson on a 90-minute hike to learn about panther management and research on the refuge while searching for panther signs and using telemetry equipment to determine if any panthers are in the area. A 90-minute swamp buggy tour will give participants a high view of the terrain to look for wildlife while learning about refuge management and the importance of the refuge to overall panther population health. Participants will be split into two groups at the beginning of the day; one group will go on the hike while the other goes on the buggy tour and then the groups will flip.
Where to Meet: Meet at 7:45 AM at the refuge trailhead located at the northwest corner of I-75 and SR29.
Directions to Meeting Place:
From Naples: Head east on I-75 (Alligator Alley) toward Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Take Exit 80 for SR 29. Turn left (north) on SR29 toward Immokalee, FL. Cross over the interstate and continue for ¼ mile. The entrance to the refuge trails is on the west side of the road (left). Drive into the parking lot for the trailhead. Please allow approximately 30 minutes driving time from Exit 101 in Naples (CR951/Collier Blvd. exit).
From Everglades City: Take SR 29 north approximately 22 miles to the trailhead for the refuge. The trailhead is located on the west side of SR29 approximately ¼ mile north of I-75. Please allow approximately 30 minutes driving time.
Limitations: Participants must be physically able to climb up and down a ladder into the swamp buggy and to walk for more than one mile.
Additional Information: There is a port-a-john at the refuge trailhead and restrooms will be available halfway through the tour and again at its conclusion. Restrooms are not available on the buggy tour or the hike.
What to Bring: Binoculars, water, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera.
What to Wear: Clothing appropriate for the weather. Long pants are recommended. Close-toed shoes required.
How to Register and Pay: Contact Kennedy Hanson at 239-353-8442 x 229 or kennedy_hanson@fws.gov. Then mail non-refundable checks payable to Defenders of Wildlife, Attn: Shannon Miller, 233 Third Street North, Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- Field Trip Full -
Cost: $10 per person
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Maximum Attendees: 24
Description: Join refuge staff and volunteers for a glimpse into the closed portions of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge where panthers roam and deer browse. Participants will join Refuge Biologist Larry Richardson on a 90-minute hike to learn about panther management and research on the refuge while searching for panther signs and using telemetry equipment to determine if any panthers are in the area. A 90-minute swamp buggy tour will give participants a high view of the terrain to look for wildlife while learning about refuge management and the importance of the refuge to overall panther population health. Participants will be split into two groups at the beginning of the day; one group will go on the hike while the other goes on the buggy tour and then the groups will flip.
Where to Meet: Meet at 7:45 AM at the refuge trailhead located at the northwest corner of I-75 and SR29.
Directions to Meeting Place:
From Naples: Head east on I-75 (Alligator Alley) toward Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Take Exit 80 for SR 29. Turn left (north) on SR29 toward Immokalee, FL. Cross over the interstate and continue for ¼ mile. The entrance to the refuge trails is on the west side of the road (left). Drive into the parking lot for the trailhead. Please allow approximately 30 minutes driving time from Exit 101 in Naples (CR951/Collier Blvd. exit).
From Everglades City: Take SR 29 north approximately 22 miles to the trailhead for the refuge. The trailhead is located on the west side of SR29 approximately ¼ mile north of I-75. Please allow approximately 30 minutes driving time.
Limitations: Participants must be physically able to climb up and down a ladder into the swamp buggy and to walk for more than one mile.
Additional Information: There is a port-a-john at the refuge trailhead and restrooms will be available halfway through the tour and again at its conclusion. Restrooms are not available on the buggy tour or the hike.
What to Bring: Binoculars, water, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera.
What to Wear: Clothing appropriate for the weather. Long pants are recommended. Close-toed shoes required.
How to Register and Pay: Contact Kennedy Hanson at 239-353-8442 x 229 or kennedy_hanson@fws.gov. Then mail non-refundable checks payable to Defenders of Wildlife, Attn: Shannon Miller, 233 Third Street North, Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Orange Jeep Eco-Adventure Tour
- Reservations Required -
Cost: $15 per person
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Maximum Attendees: 6 adults per group
Description: Orange Jeep Tours are Collier County’s newest eco-adventures navigating visitors through environmentally-protected wetlands, uplands, and preserves giving outdoor enthusiasts up close sightings of native wildlife, flora and fauna. Local outdoorsman and nature enthusiast, Gavin Wuerth, narrates an exploration of the eastern edge of Camp Keais Strand, while incorporating much of the history of the local area, including Seminole Indians, Barron Collier, and more. Enjoy 90 minutes in the custom-outfitted, open-air Jeep in Southwest Florida’s backyard.
Where to Meet: The Jeep Tours will leave from the Ave Maria Information Center located at 5076 Annunciation Circle # 104, Ave Maria, Florida.
Directions to Meeting Place: From Naples: Take Immokalee Road east, turn right onto Oil Well Road (8 miles) turn left into Ave Maria. Follow Ave Maria Blvd north to Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria Information center will be on your right.
Limitations: Must be able to climb into Jeep Wrangler and ride on unpaved terrain.
Additional Information: Restrooms available at beginning and end of the Orange Jeep Tour. Restaurants are located within a short walking distance of Orange Jeep Tour office.
What to Bring: A bottle of water is always a good idea and of course a camera to capture the beautiful sights! Bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
How to Register and Pay: Please call 239-434-Jeep (5337) to make reservations and mention you are participating in the Florida Panther Festival. Orange Jeep Tours will take a credit card number at time of reservation but not charge your card until the day of your tour.
Cost: $15 per person
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Maximum Attendees: 6 adults per group
Description: Orange Jeep Tours are Collier County’s newest eco-adventures navigating visitors through environmentally-protected wetlands, uplands, and preserves giving outdoor enthusiasts up close sightings of native wildlife, flora and fauna. Local outdoorsman and nature enthusiast, Gavin Wuerth, narrates an exploration of the eastern edge of Camp Keais Strand, while incorporating much of the history of the local area, including Seminole Indians, Barron Collier, and more. Enjoy 90 minutes in the custom-outfitted, open-air Jeep in Southwest Florida’s backyard.
Where to Meet: The Jeep Tours will leave from the Ave Maria Information Center located at 5076 Annunciation Circle # 104, Ave Maria, Florida.
Directions to Meeting Place: From Naples: Take Immokalee Road east, turn right onto Oil Well Road (8 miles) turn left into Ave Maria. Follow Ave Maria Blvd north to Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria Information center will be on your right.
Limitations: Must be able to climb into Jeep Wrangler and ride on unpaved terrain.
Additional Information: Restrooms available at beginning and end of the Orange Jeep Tour. Restaurants are located within a short walking distance of Orange Jeep Tour office.
What to Bring: A bottle of water is always a good idea and of course a camera to capture the beautiful sights! Bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
How to Register and Pay: Please call 239-434-Jeep (5337) to make reservations and mention you are participating in the Florida Panther Festival. Orange Jeep Tours will take a credit card number at time of reservation but not charge your card until the day of your tour.
