Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc.

05/06/2026

It's called "puddling," when butterflies spend time in and around mud puddles. When the soil is sufficiently moistened, the butterflies are able to use their proboscis to drink the mineral-dense liquid just like they would nectar from a flower. While flowers' nectar is full of sugars, for energy, mud-water contains important nutrients like sodium and amino acids, essential for life.

Butterflies puddle for nutrients, hydration, and even for the social interaction it promotes. Large congregations of puddling butterflies are a common sight along Janes Scenic Drive. Watch for the numerous other critters attracted to the puddles when water is scarce. It is not uncommon to see a variety of birds, crayfish, insects, deer, and even mink, utilizing the puddles.

Ruddy Daggerwing butterflies, "puddling," on Janes Scenic Drive.
Photos by T. Fabiano Schuhmacher

05/05/2026

This is not completely inaccurate. 🤣

Okay, so this is at night, when they are definitely worse, but it's no joke, right now, and neither are the deer flies.

Long pants, shoes and socks, long sleeve shirt, hat, maybe even gloves; and/or bug spray, if you prefer. But come prepared.

22K likes, 498 comments. "A few mosquitoes in the Everglades "

05/04/2026

NEW Volunteer opportunity!

So far, nearly 10,000 native grasses have been installed in this epic prairie restoration project. Join us for the final installment!

Saturday May 16, 2026
8:45AM - 3:00PM

Details below. Questions?
Contact Steven Bass: (239) 253-237
[email protected]

04/30/2026

Calling all stargazers!

Fakahatchee Night Sky Experience
Saturday May 2, 2026
7:45-10:45PM

Come and view the beauty of the night sky! Saturday is an excellent opportunity to observe Jupiter, Venus, a meteor shower, and the full moon rising. Reserve your spot now!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-sky-experience-in-the-fakahatchee-preserve-tickets-1669646831619?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

(Photo credit: Stephen Sheppard)

04/29/2026

Don't miss out! Night Sky Experience this Saturday.
(Last one until November!)

It's going to be a beautiful night!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-sky-experience-in-the-fakahatchee-preserve-tickets-1669646831619?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&fbclid=IwY2xjawRfP9dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNVVU1b3BLUE5kQWZ1Z0FIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtBlZt-d2BKeyHF-HG1l90MwtJ7Cm9IvTgc4R6PKo9PwyW6nmOFViVt67o0F_aem_UOTqPjDhTGYfr3e70jJJGg

Come join us for a magical evening under a blanket of stars in the Fakahatchee Preserve.

04/26/2026

When great organizations come together, even greater things happen! Huge shout out to all of the staff and volunteers from the Fakahatchee, Ducks Unlimited, and FWC for making this happen!

Dan House Prairies Restoration Project, part two.
5,000 native grasses were planted today!!!

We said we were working, but we had soooo much FUN!

Thanks, Tony S, for the video!

04/20/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Dan House Prairies Project
Native Grasses Outplanting
Saturday, April 25, 2026
8:45AM-3PM

For questions and meeting location, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Steven Bass. 239-253-6374 or [email protected]

Bring lunch, snacks, etc. Water will be provided.
Early departures will be accommodated.
Project in full sun, dress accordingly.

We hope to see you there!

04/16/2026

The man, the myth, the legend!!!
Happy National Orchid Day, y'all!

National Orchid Day, with a glimpse into Florida’s orchid underground:
In 1994, a park biologist inspects a Crooked Spur Orchid recovered from poachers in the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve - deep in one of the most orchid-rich (and closely watched) landscapes in the country.
The same preserve would soon draw national attention through “The Orchid Thief” (a nonfiction book by Susan Orlean about a real orchid poaching case in South Florida, which was later adapted into the film “Adaptation”), after a 1994 arrest exposed a niche but very real underground market for rare orchids.
This photo captures the quieter side of that story: the unsung work of monitoring, protecting, and holding the line for these species.
Photo by Tim Chapman, courtesy of HistoryMiami Museum. View the full item: https://dpanther.fiu.edu/record/12109

04/15/2026

We hope you'll join us! Night Sky Experience season finale!
Saturday May 2, 2026
7:45-10:45PM

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-sky-experience-in-the-fakahatchee-preserve-tickets-1669646831619?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

This is the final Friends of Fakahatchee event/tour of the 2025-26 Season. Thank you so much to everyone who attended one of our tours, events, picnics, meetings, etc. YOU make it possible for our organization to support the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.

We look forward to seeing you all next Fall for another wonderful Season!

(Photo credit: TFabiano)

04/15/2026

Another look at Rudi and Olga's recent visit. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience and fabulous photos with us!

04/14/2026

Another upcoming volunteer opportunity.