Introduction of Seasonal Programs and Events at Biscayne National Park

Date: December 18, 2013
Contact: Matt Johnson, 786-335-3679

This winter and spring, Biscayne National Park is offering an expanded variety of free programs and activities including guided canoe trips, Family Fun Fest programs, porch talks, walks, fishing and grounding awareness classes, and junior ranger programs. The expanded programs and activities take place from December 26, 2013, until April 30, 2014. The programs are free and take place at the park's Dante Fascell Visitor Center located at 9700 SW 328th Street, nine miles east of Homestead, Florida.

The programs showcase the wonders of the park and are designed with the interests of many different visitors in mind including families, tourists, virtual visitors and solo adventurers. Free transportation on the Homestead Trolley is available from Homestead and Everglades National Park on weekends from January through April, 2014.

Ranger or park volunteer led programs include guided canoe and kayak trips along the park's mangrove shoreline for paddlers of all skill levels. Canoe and kayak lessons are also available for those without paddling experience. For the 14^th season of the park's award-winning Family Fun Fest program a different aspect of the park's diverse resources is highlighted each month at five hands-on activity stations for kids and their families. Daily ranger talks and walks, from 20 minutes to an hour, feature topics involving park resources and wildlife. Those completing activities in the park's junior ranger booklet may earn a badge or attend special junior ranger programs just for kids and their families.

For those visiting the park on their own the work of contemporary artists, inspired by the beauty of the park, is featured in the visitor center auditorium with exhibits changing every three months. The park partnered with the Tropical Audubon Society to offer certificates to those taking part in the Biscayne Birding Trail program.

For a more in depth park experience, participants in the park's fisheries awareness class may learn more about fishing in the park and improve their fish identification skills. Those attending the park's grounding awareness class gain knowledge of navigating in park waters and improve their boating skills.

For details, topics, and a schedule regarding the programs and activities mentioned above please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/bisc, use the following link http://akrcms.nps.doi.net/bisc/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=561147, or call 305-230-7275 x000. For more information on the Homestead Trolley call 305-224-4457 or visit www.cityofhomestead.com/gateway. For more information about the fisheries and grounding awareness classes call 305-230-1144 x036. For regular updates from the park "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/biscaynenps, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/biscaynenps.