SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Labor Day Muck-About (swamp walk)

The joy of being with people who love nature

and enjoy life filled our hearts during the Labor

Day weekend swamp walks. This time of year the

swamp is lush, green and filled with water.

The environment is like walking back in time to

the beginning of earth. There is a peace that

fills my heart every time I enter the swamp.

I'm glad so many others have that joy too!

John discussing the water flow for

the Everglades and Big Cypress

ecosystem.

Robbie found a lost soul/sole in the swamp

John discussing the ecosystem

John discussing the environment

Clyde with swamp guide, John Kalafarski,

Lunch under the chickee

Swamp guide Bob with his fiance Lynn

CONGRATULATIONS!

Firebush

Pond Apple

(or swamp apple)

Rick explaining the importance

of Periphyton to the ecosystem

A brave swamp walker holding

Pariphyton in her hand! Born to

be a biologist?

Rick discussing the ecosystem

Rick pointing out an orchid

Tree Huggers

Thanks to you all for coming to the Muck-About!

If you discovered that Florida has a hidden

beauty that few people know about, share the

discovery with others. Let them understand

that our state is a special place and needs

to be protected.

Niki, Clyde, Rick Cruz and Leslie

MONDAY - Labor Day Weekend Muck-About (Swamp Walks)

Monday was another beautiful day...

Robbie became our chauffeur.

He had a ball running everyone

around the property in our new

electric cart. Here he is taking

Clyde up to the gallery.

Clyde signing books

A family who came prepared for

the mosquitoes! Good thinking!

Paul discussing the environment

with Duck Potato in foreground

Paul leading the group

At this point I let everyone pass and headed

back to catch the next group.

I found a great family group having

a pic-nic lunch

and then I headed back into the

swamp to catch up with whoever was

out there....

what I found was peace and

quiet...wonderful...

Trail

The trail. You can see the limestone

under the water. The reason the trees

are so short in this area is because

it is rock.

I finally found some folks enjoying the swamp

and joined Cody as he gave a swamp walk

Cody showing everyone the Periphyton

and explaining it's importance to the

ecosystem

Now here are two kids who are REALLY

prepared for the mosquitoes!

A great place for a family portrait!

John almost looks like the Skunk Ape peaking

through the bushes!

Jackie in the swamp with friends

So long to another great summer

swamp walk. It was wonderful spending

time with all of you out in the swamp

and talking with you in the gallery.

Share your experience with others to let

them know our environment in Florida

is something very special. THANKS!

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We give a great big

THANKS!

to all of our swamp guides.

Their enthusiasm for the environment

and positive outlook on life makes

our time spent together one of joy

and satisfaction. We appreciate you!

John Kalafarski

John Schinault

Bob Nesmith, with fiance, Lynn - CONGRATULATIONS!

Rick Cruz

Brian Call

Paul Tilton

Cody Wishon

Rosie Markowski

Matt Parks