Everglades Ranger-Guided Field Trips

students stand around table and touch alligator skin
4th graders participate in hands-on learning experience in the Everglades

NPS / Kathryn Curtis



Education Programming for 2023 - 2024


Ranger-led field trips are offered from mid-October through mid-April to students in 4th through 12th grade.

2023-2024 Registration Form
(Open as of August 15, 2023 at 8:00 AM EST)

 

General Information

These programs are best suited for local schools within reasonable driving distance. Program descriptions can be found below.

  • Registering for Programs: Register for 2023 - 2024 Education Programs through this form.
  • Cost: Programs are offered free of charge with an academic fee waiver.
  • How to register: The registration form usually opens mid-August each year. Because programs fill quickly, we suggest teachers request a date as soon as they know their preferred date(s) and program(s).
  • First time teacher? : First-time teachers to Everglades Education Programs will need to attend an in-park Teacher Workshop. You can sign up for a workshop by selecting the workshop date you will attend while registering for your program.
  • Transportation: Assistance with bus transportation may be available and can be requested during registration.
  • Need more information? : Review the information below on each in-person day program offered. For more information, call the Education Office at (305) 242-7753 or email us.

 
People walking up a cement ramp towards a tower
Park Ranger and students leaving the Shark Valley observation tower

NPS Photo

In-Person Program Descriptions

In-person programs are available from October through April each school year.

Shark Valley Day Program (4th graders)

  • Location: Shark Valley (Miami)
  • Maximum group size: 58 students
  • Teachers & Chaperones: 1 adult per 10 students (not to exceed 64 total)
  • Description: Students explore the vast Shark Valley slough on a narrated, open-air tram tour and hike to the observation tower for a bird's eye view. Alligators, wading birds, turtles, and fish are just a few of the residents commonly encountered. Students learn about the Everglades watershed and their own connections to the south Florida ecosystem.
 
Park Ranger with Students and Periphyton

NPS Photo

Royal Palm Day Program (5th & 6th graders)

  • Location: Royal Palm & Long Pine Key (Both Homestead)
  • Maximum group size: 59 students (some flexibility for larger groups)
  • Teachers & Chaperones: 1 adult per 10 students (not to exceed 65 total)
  • Description: Rangers lead students through four different Everglades habitats, including: the freshwater slough, sawgrass prairie, pine rocklands, and hardwood hammock. Students are often able to observe alligators, wading birds, turtles, and fish and discuss adaptations. Rangers challenge students to think about their own connections to the Everglades ecosystem.
 
Students sitting and reflecting in front of a large Nike Missile
Students reflecting in front of Nike Missile Barn

NPS / Denise Diaz

Nike Missile Program (9th-12th graders)

  • Location: Meet at Ernest Coe Visitor Center (Homestead)
  • Maximum group size: 45 Students
  • Teachers & Chaperones: 1 adult per 10 students
  • Description: Students become soldiers as they are immersed in history at the HM 69 Nike Missile base. Rangers facilitate activities as students reflect upon living life as a soldier during the Cold War, life as a child affected by Operation Pedro Pan, and about why history is still relevant today.
 
A park ranger pointing at stars with students sitting on the ground
Hidden Lake Astronomy Program

NPS Photo

Overnight Camping Programs

 
A ranger standing beside vegetation, water, and an alligator, speaking to a camera on a tripod
Virtual program

NPS Photo

Virtual Programs

Everglades *LIVE* Virtual Program

  • Location: Virtual Platform
  • Maximum group size: Depends on platform used. Usually 100 devices.
  • Teachers & Chaperones: No limit.
  • Description: Teachers across the world can sign up for a free, curriculum-based virtual program for students. Presentations engage students in a live video and allow participants to interact with a Park Ranger in real time.
 
The Florida's National Parks Alliance logo

Funding & Grants

This environmental education program is generously supported by grants from The Alliance for Florida's National Parks.

 
National Park Foundation Logo

This environmental education program is generously supported by grants from The National Park Foundation.

Last updated: August 15, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733

Phone:

305 242-7700

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