Free Park Entrance and Volunteer Opportunities on National Public Lands Day

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 18, 2015

Contact: Ever Information, 305-242-7700

Contact: Shawn Bawden, 305-242-7752

Contact: Mary Plumb, 305-242-7017

In honor of National Public Lands Day on September 26, there will be no entrance fees for all visitors to Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. Opportunities are being provided to volunteer at Everglades National Park, in the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States.

Volunteer Opportunities:

In recognition of the need for shared stewardship of the nation's valued, irreplaceable public lands, Everglades National Park's award-winning volunteer program will also host multiple volunteer and educational projects on September 26 for those who enjoy serving and learning. Please bring your lunch, water, mosquito repellent and sunscreen, and wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian fill out the approval section of the Volunteer Agreement before volunteering. If interested in volunteering for handicap accessible projects, please contact the Volunteer Office at: 305-242-7752 or 305-242-7733.

Trash Clean-up at Royal Palm:

Volunteers will assist in keeping the Park clean and beautiful by participating in a trash clean-up. This will require walking short distances, light bending, lifting, and getting dirty. Please meet at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center by8:30 a.m.to fill out forms and start working by9:00 a.m.

Habitat Restoration and Trash Clean-up at Shark Valley:

Volunteers will assist in protecting natural flora by removing the invasive arrowhead vine around the Shark Valley Visitor Center and parking lot grounds, and participating in a trash clean-up. This requires walking, bending, pulling, and lifting. Meet at the Shark Valley Visitor Center by8:00 a.m.to sign forms. Work projects will start at8:30 a.m.and continue until12:30 p.m.

Habitat Restoration at Gulf Coast:

Volunteers will paddle out to Sandfly Island and assist in trail maintenance and trash pickup and possibly removing invasive species. This requires paddling, bending, lifting, and pulling. Everglades National Park will provide all equipment such as paddles, personal flotation devices, life jackets, and canoes. If you prefer kayaks, they are available to rent. Meet at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at9:30 a.m.to fill out forms. Paddling will start at10:00 a.m.and will continue until2:00 p.m.Please bring a lunch, water, sunscreen, and snacks. It is highly recommended that participants also bring bug spray and/or a bug jacket due to the high levels of insects. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and weather appropriate attire that they do not mind getting dirty. Number of participants is limited to 16 people or 10 canoes, whichever fills up first. Please call [phone] to reserve a spot.