Celbrate National Public Lands Day - Volunteer !

Date: September 15, 2011
Contact: Volunteer Information , 305-242-7040
Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700
Contact: Media Contact Linda Friar, 305-242-7714

In recognition of National Public Lands Day, Everglades National Park will host a volunteer event to protect our native trees and their habitat from exotic species of plants. "One third of America's land is yours. Consider spending 1/365 of your time preserving it." ~ Anonymous

On Saturday, September 24, 2011, come to the Shark Valley District and assist in the removal of invasive plants to help restore the natural landscape.

Due to the tropical environment of south Florida, common house plants and ornamental landscaping shrubs have become invasive weeds in the Everglades. These weeds outgrow and compete with the natural vegetation for sunlight, water, and space. For this project volunteers will use loppers to cut back a large exotic plant, Brazilian Pepper, and bag it for disposal.

Volunteers will meet in at the Shark Valley Entrance at 8:30 am Please park your vehicles in the grass along US 41 near the entrance road to the park. Walk towards the Shark Valley entrance station to meet the project coordinators.

Be prepared for hot and humid weather. Participants are required to wear long-sleeved shirts, sneakers, and long pants to protect against exposure to sun, biting insects, poisonwood, and ivy. Please bring a lunch, water bottle, hat, and sunglasses.

Participating volunteers will receive a free entry pass, enabling each volunteer to visit the Everglades for free again and share this unique National Park with their family and friends.

All are invited. To volunteer, show up or RSVP with Cerisa Swanberg at [phone].

Directions: Physical Address - 36000 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33194

Shark Valley Visitor Center is located on Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail / SW 8th St.) 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, exit 25A (from the north) and exit 25 (from the south).

From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) approximately 70 miles east to Shark Valley.