New and Expanded Seasonal Programs at Biscayne National Park

Date: November 12, 2014
Contact: Matt Johnson, 786-335-3679

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – Biscayne National Park is offering new and expanded free programs and events from November 22, 2014, to April 30, 2015. Manatee walks, shoreline snorkeling, guided canoe trips, dip-netting programs, Family Fun Fest events, porch talks and other fun and educational activities are included. 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 November 22, 2014, to April 30, 2015.

New program offerings include manatee walks, shoreline snorkeling, dip-netting, family canoe trips and lionfish dissecting. Expanded 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 15th 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. Those completing activities in the park's junior ranger booklet may earn a badge or attend special programs just for kids and their families. Daily ranger talks and walks feature topics involving park resources and wildlife.

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 gallery 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 an activities schedule, important program details including reservation requirements and age limits, or for more information about Biscayne National Park, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/bisc, or follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/biscaynenps, or Twitter at www.twitter.com/biscaynenps.

-NPS-

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.