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.
  • Age and Ability 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. Participants should be capable of walking up to 1-2 miles on an uneven surface. Some programs are not recommended for youth under the age of 10, please see program descriptions for more information.
  • 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.

June 2023

Birding for Beginners - Thursday, June 1 at 2:00 pm

Join us offsite at the Greenacres Branch of the Palm Beach County Library for a birding for beginners program! Participants will learn how to identify birds, use binoculars, and learn about citizen science. This event is for all ages, designed for aspiring birders to have fun outdoors and learn more about local birds. The program will kick off with a short presentation and binocular boot camp, followed by heading outside to practice identification skills. Birders may bring their own binoculars or borrow some from us. Address: 3750 Jog Rd, Greenacres, FL 33467.

Solar Observation - June 3, 2023 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

You should never look at the sun directly, unless you’re viewing it from a special telescope! Join South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association to get a special look at the star that powers our planet. View cool features like sunspots and flares! Meet at the Lee Road boat ramp. 

Weed Pull Workdays - Fridays, June 9 and 23, July 14 from 9:00 am to 11:00 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.

BirdBlitz on iNaturalist - May 10 to June 10, 2023 

We love birds! In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day (on May 13) and Black Birders Week (from May 28 to June 3), you can help contribute to science by joining our Bird Bioblitz project on iNaturalist. This bioblitz is a citizen-science effort to record as many species of birds at the refuge between the dates of May 10 to June 10, 2023. More than 250 species of birds have been documented at the refuge, how many can you find? Bioblitzes are great ways to get outside, connect with nature, and help contribute useful data for science and conservation!How to participate: From your smartphone, download the iNaturalist app and join the Bird Bioblitz project. From your desktop computer, go to the iNaturalist website and join the Bird Bioblitz project.

License-Free Fishing Days for the State of Florida - June 10 and 11, 2023

License-free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity to experience fishing without having to purchase a license. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including both residents and non-residents. Learn more from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Family Fishing Day - Saturday, June 10 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join Reel Fishing Charities for a fun morning of fishing! Participants will learn about fish identification, casting, and more. Fishing poles and bait are provided, or you can bring your own. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This is a License-Free Fishing Day for the state of Florida and the fishing license requirement is waived. Meet at the Lee Road Fishing Pier.

Path of the Panther Showing - Friday, June 16 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Join us for a screening of the movie Path of the Panther. This movie is an incredible story of the endangered Florida Panther and how they survive in the everchanging South Florida Landscape. This screening is free with your entrance pass. Space is limited to 40 people. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.

Sunset Hike - Friday, June 16 from 7:45 pm to 8:45 pm

Join us for a ranger led sunset hike! This will be a 1.0 mile roundtrip hike from the visitor center to the levee, where we will pause to watch the sunset. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars or a camera, wear closed toed shoes and other appropriate clothing. Bug spray may be necessary. 

Tram Tours - Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 am, Fridays at 1:00 pm

Grab your camera and binoculars and enjoy the refuge on an approximately 1.5 to 2 hour tram tour. You must be able to physically board and exit the tram. The open-air tram can seat three (3) passengers and provides a unique type of access to see the wildlife, marshes, and cypress swamps of the refuge. Meet at the visitor center front desk 15 minutes prior to the tram tour. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.

Wellness Walk - Mondays at 10:00 am

Discover the healing power of nature with naturalist and holistic lifestyle improvement author Stephen T. Radentz as he discusses the importance of using nature as your primary healthcare choice. After the discussion, join Steve on a short walk to reinforce what was discussed. Meet at the Visitor Center. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.

 

Roving Naturalist (various days, times, and locations)

  • Join a refuge naturalist to learn about the plants and wildlife that live in the swamp Sundays at 1:00 pm along the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk
  • 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 Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.