The Alliance for Florida's National Parks

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The Alliance for Florida's National Parks The official philanthropic partner for Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve

The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks is the official philanthropic partner for Florida’s national parks, providing opportunities to support education, exploration and conservation programs in Big Cypress National Preserve and Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and Everglades National Parks.

Join us on October 22 for a free, fun-filled evening under the trees at Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables! The eveni...
10/14/2026

Join us on October 22 for a free, fun-filled evening under the trees at Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables! The evening will include:

🌟 Story time with special guest speaker Suki Lopez, aka "Nina" from Sesame Street
πŸ”₯ S'mores around the fire
πŸ• Pizza and refreshments
🌳 Family time surrounded by nature
πŸ“š Book giveaway provided by Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library

The event is free to attend. RSVP to let us know how many people will be joining: https://brnw.ch/StoriesAndSmores2026

On October 13, also known as Jones Day, we remember the remarkable Jones family, whose story in Biscayne Bay began more ...
10/13/2026

On October 13, also known as Jones Day, we remember the remarkable Jones family, whose story in Biscayne Bay began more than a century ago.

From building a home and farm on Porgy Key to navigating the waters of Biscayne Bay, the Jones family developed a deep connection to this unique place. When large-scale development threatened the islands and surrounding waters, Sir Lancelot Jones understood what was at stake. His knowledge and connection to the bay became part of a larger community effort to protect it for generations to come.

Today, the Jones family’s legacy reminds us of the importance of protecting what we love and sharing what we know. A special thank you to Nicole Algarin, seasonal National Park Service Ranger, for putting this story together.

πŸ”— Visit the link in our comments to read more.

Happy 52nd Anniversary, Big Cypress National Preserve! πŸŽ‰πŸŒΏ For over five decades, Big Cypress National Preserve has prote...
10/11/2026

Happy 52nd Anniversary, Big Cypress National Preserve! πŸŽ‰πŸŒΏ

For over five decades, Big Cypress National Preserve has protected a remarkable landscape of wetlands, wildlife, cultural heritage, and opportunities for exploration.

From quiet trails and wet hikes to Florida panther research, educational programs, and unforgettable experiences in the backcountry, Big Cypress continues to inspire visitors from around the world.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're grateful for the NPS rangers, volunteers, partners, donors, and stewards whose dedication helps ensure this special place remains vibrant for future generations.

To celebrate, tell us YOUR favorite Big Cypress memory or experience in the comments.

Learn more about the history of Big Cypress: floridanationalparks.org/blog/how-a-national-preserve-is-born-the-story-of-big-cypress

πŸ“Έ: NPS Seasonal rangers Amy Washuta and Luke Gommermann

10/09/2026

We’re proud to support Big Cypress Celebration 2026, benefiting The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks! In celebration of Big Cypress National Preserve 52nd anniversary, join us on October 10 for a family friendly day of guided hikes, live music by Gator Nate, nature-based activities, art with DaveL, face painting, and food available for purchase, including Juanchitos Grill, handmade Miccosukee tribal goods and a presentation by William β€œPopeye” Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Business Council.

Every ticket purchased supports The Alliance’s work to advance education, exploration, and conservation in our parks.

This month, we're pleased to shine the spotlight on Rainer W. Schael, President of RS Environmental Consulting, Inc. and...
10/07/2026

This month, we're pleased to shine the spotlight on Rainer W. Schael, President of RS Environmental Consulting, Inc. and a dedicated advocate for conservation and community connection.

Known affectionately as "The Grumpy Old Man of the Board," Rainer brings a wealth of professional experience, a passion for the outdoors, and an interest in connecting people. His commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond our organization through his involvement with Captains For Clean Water.

When he's not working or volunteering, you might find Rainer and his wife, NoΓ«l Schael, exploring America's national parks in their RV. The couple also shares their home with two beloved pups, Camp and Calusa, who are named after islands in Florida Bay.

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Rainer's favorite pastime is fly fishing in Everglades National Park, a place that reflects his deep appreciation for Florida's natural resources.

Within our organization, Rainer enjoys staying connected to all committee efforts, though he has a special place in his heart for Two Nights Under the Stars, which he and NoΓ«l founded and helped lead for more than 17 years.

We're grateful for Rainer's leadership, dedication, and unwavering support. Thank you, Rainer, for helping strengthen our mission and community.

Big Cypress Celebration is this Saturday!Join us October 10 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypr...
10/07/2026

Big Cypress Celebration is this Saturday!

Join us October 10 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve, the day before Big Cypress turns 52. Swipe through for the full agenda.

Explore the swamp on a 90-minute immersive walk or a 30-minute intro walk with experienced guides (ticket required). Get ready to wade in, because we’ll be enjoying wet hikes through the cypress! Then hear from presenting speaker William β€œPopeye” Osceola William James Osceola of the Miccosukee Business Council at 11:30 AM, and enjoy live music from Gator Nate Gator Nate starting at 12:30 PM.

Families can paint with DaveL David Lavernia | Miami Muralist , try recycled papermaking with Theo Quenee T H E O Q U E N E E , take on the Junior Archer Challenge with Arrow Soft Archery , and get their faces painted by Miss Lexi’s Place alexia walulik . Grab lunch from Juanchitos JUANCHITOS GRILL πŸ”₯🌯 and visit our eco partners along the way.

Thank you to our sponsors McArdle Franco Xavi Franco , Soukup Strategic Solutions Soukup Strategic Solutions , and The Haggard Law Firm.



Artwork: DaveL David Lavernia | Miami Muralist

10/05/2026

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Join us this Saturday, October 10, for the Big Cypress Celebration!

Enjoy many free family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences including:

🐊 Face painting & nature-based activities
πŸ₯Ύ Guided hikes every 30 minutes (9 AM–3 PM)*
🎢 Live music by Gator Nate
🍴 Food available for purchase including Juanchitos Grill
πŸ‘› Handmade tribal goods for sale by Randelle Osceola
🌿 Presenting speaker William β€œPopeye” Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Business Council
🎨 Painting activity by local artist DaveL
πŸ‘• Every hike ticket includes a limited edition 2026 Big Cypress Celebration t-shirt*

𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐒𝐜𝐀𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 π›πžπ§πžπŸπ’π­ π“π‘πž 𝐀π₯π₯𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅π₯𝐨𝐫𝐒𝐝𝐚'𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐚π₯ 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐀𝐬.

Check out the full agenda and purchase a guided hike ticket:
https://www.floridanationalparks.org/events/big-cypress-celebration-2026

*Must purchase a ticket for the guided hike. T-shirts available while supplies last. *

Big Cypress Celebration is one week away! 🌿Join us Saturday, October 10, at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress Nationa...
10/03/2026

Big Cypress Celebration is one week away! 🌿

Join us Saturday, October 10, at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve for a one-day event celebrating the preserve’s 52nd anniversary.

Enjoy guided hikes (ticket required), live music, local food, art workshops, and nature-based activities for all ages. Participants learn about the preserve’s ecology and cultural history while experiencing it firsthand.
Grab your tickets and guided hike spots now at the link in bio.

Let’s settle a s’mores debate: Gooey or toasty marshmallows?Comment your vote below and tell us your perfect s’mores com...
10/03/2026

Let’s settle a s’mores debate: Gooey or toasty marshmallows?

Comment your vote below and tell us your perfect s’mores combo!

Then join us October 22 for Stories & S’mores at Matheson Hammock Park! Our FREE family-friendly event will include:

🌟 Story time with special guest speaker Suki Lopez, aka "Nina" from Sesame Street
πŸ”₯ S'mores around the fire
πŸ• Pizza and refreshments
🌳 Family time surrounded by nature

RSVP today: https://brnw.ch/StoriesandSmores2026

The Alliance is proud to share that the National Park Foundation has awarded grants to support the Open OutDoors for Kid...
10/02/2026

The Alliance is proud to share that the National Park Foundation has awarded grants to support the Open OutDoors for Kids and Junior Ranger Angler at Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park!

Through Open OutDoors for Kids, approximately 14,000 fourth-grade students each year can take part in field trips, live virtual programs, ranger classroom visits, teacher workshops, marine science experiences, and more.

Junior Ranger Angler introduces youth and families to fishing and stewardship through free, ranger-led experiences, with equipment, bilingual materials, and transportation support helping make participation more accessible.

This work is funded by the National Park Foundation. The National Park Foundation is the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service.

πŸ“Έ: NPS photo by Ashley Castellanos Rodriguez
πŸ“Έ: National Park Service

Address

1172 S. Dixie Highway, #470
Coral Gables, FL
33146

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