Upcoming Events

Need to Know
  • Fees: All programs are free with a valid entrance pass. Learn more about fees on our Visit Us page.
  • Reservations: Space may be limited and reservations may be required for some tours, please see the program descriptions for more information.
  • Cancellations: Some programs are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
  • Come Prepared: Always check the weather conditions before leaving home and dress appropriately for the day. This might include wearing a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, long pants, and walking shoes. We recommend that you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • A parent or guardian must accompany all youth under the age of 18. All participants must come prepared to be good listeners, pay very close attention to the walk leader, stay with the group, and be respectful of wildlife and other visitors.
  • Trails. Trail surfaces are either mowed grass, shell-rock gravel, or a wooden boardwalk. Trails are mostly flat without steep inclines, but some trails have uneven surfaces and exposed roots. 
  • Note for large groups Please contact refuge staff at least one month in advance to make a reservation for guided tours of groups larger than five (5) individuals. Reservations allow staff to avoid conflicts between other groups and resource management activities, and to arrange logistics for those groups requesting services.

December 2023 

Winter Birds Bioblitz - Month of December 

Join citizen scientists and log any birds you see using the iNaturalist app.

Try Archery - Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Participants will receive an overview of various archery equipment, guidance on safety and proper form, then have a chance to shoot a compound bow at a target range. Participants must have the strength to lift 25 pounds. Meet at the C-6 Area.

Ranger Talk: Leave No Trace - Saturday, December 23 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join a ranger outdoors and learn why "leave no trace" matters and how it helps us protect the environment, help the wildlife, and help other trailblazers! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Registration not required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Nature Photography Composition - Date to be announced

Do you want to capture better images in nature and even in your own back yard? Bring your camera or cell phone and join Tom Wozniak to learn how about composition in photography. You will learn how to frame a subject, how to tell a story with your camera, and how to “see” the subject and avoid distractions that may detract from a good photograph. We step outside to practice techniques, weather permitting. Please have good knowledge of your equipment and dress for the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations are required 24 hours prior to the class by calling the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.

Basic Nature Photography - Friday, December 15 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Do you want to capture better images in nature and even in your own back yard? Bring your camera and join Tom Wozniak to explore the why and how to make better images. This is a beginner photography workshop to help you grow your interest in nature and scenic photography. Your camera is your tool and you will be given instruction on how to use it better. Please have basic knowledge of your camera settings and bring your camera manual if you have one. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations are required 24 hours prior to the class by calling the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.

Florida Ethnobotany Cypress Swamp Boardwalk Tour - Sundays at 1:00 pm

Join us to learn about the plants and wildlife you might see along the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. This guided walk will last 30 minutes to one-hour and the boardwalk is 0.4-miles. The boardwalk tends to be slippery after rain so please wear shoes with traction.

Weed Pull Workdays - Sundays at 8:00 am

Interested in getting your hands dirty? Help remove  invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species  and unwanted plants from targeted areas around the refuge. We recommend that volunteers bring plenty of water and wear long pants, closed toe shoes, and a hat. Gloves and tools will be provided or you can bring your own. Meet at the visitor center. Reserve your spot by emailing Liana Russo at Liana_Russo@fws.gov.

Roving Naturalist

New to fishing or have questions about the refuge? Our "reel-y" awesome volunteers would love to help! Meet them at the Lee Road Boat Ramp on Fridays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and Sundays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Morning Photography Walking Tour – Sundays, 15 minutes after sunrise 

Grab your camera and join Peter and Lora Lekos for a guided walking tour to view and photograph wildlife in its natural settings. The walking tour is approximately two hours and participants should expect to walk 1-2 miles. Meet at the Marsh Trail Pavilion 15 minutes after sunrise. Space is limited and reservations are required - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.

January 2024

Bioblitz: New Year, New Plants! - All of January 

Happy New Year! We encourage you to get outside and learn about new plants in January. Join citizen scientists and log any and all plants you see using the iNaturalist app.

Cypress Swamp Boardwalk Tour - Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am

Join us to learn about the plants and wildlife you might see along the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. This guided walk will last 30 minutes to one-hour and the boardwalk is 0.4-miles. The boardwalk can be slippery after rain so please wear shoes with traction.

Bike and Talk with a Ranger - January 12 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm

Bring your bike and join a ranger for a bike tour of the refuge! We will start at the visitor center and make our way through the A impoundment trails, then loop back using the Perimeter Levee for a 3-mile round trip. This will be a relaxed pace with talking points along the way. Mountain bikes or "fat tire" bikes recommended. Must wear closed toe shoes and helmets. Reservations are required - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.

Christmas Bird Count for Kids - January 14 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join Ranger Veronica to learn how to identify birds, use binoculars, and collect data to aid conservation efforts! Aimed at Ages 8-16. Reserve your spot by emailing Veronica_Kelly@fws.gov.

Ranger Talk: Animal Tracks and Signs - Sunday, January 21 at 11:00 am

Join a ranger for a quick program on identifying different animal tracks and signs!

Full Moon Walk - Thursday, January 25 from 6:30-9:00 pm

Join us for a guided, 1-mile, moonlit walk through the Marsh Trail.

Ranger Talk: Butterflies - Sunday, January 28 at 1:00 pm

Join a ranger in the Butterfly Garden near the visitor center to learn about the butterflies that call the refuge home.

February 2024

2024 Everglades Days - Week of February 10-17

Come see us at the refuge and offsite during our week-long celebration of the Everglades! Activities will include Everglades Trivia (offsite), guided hikes, tram tours, archery, fishing, ranger talks, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, food trucks, a special Valentines Day dinner, and so much more. Check back later for more information.

Cypress Swamp Boardwalk Tour - Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am

Join us to learn about the plants and wildlife you might see along the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. This guided walk will last 30 minutes to one-hour and the boardwalk is 0.4-miles. The boardwalk can be slippery after rain so please wear shoes with traction.

Ranger Talk: Snakes - Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 pm

Join a ranger for a quick program on native Florida snakes! Meet at the Visitor Center.

Ranger Talk: Learn About Loxahatchee - Sunday, February 25 at 10:00 am

Join a ranger to learn about the refuge's history, wildlife, plants, ecosystems, and all the fun things you can do at the refuge! Meet at the Visitor Center.