Gladesmen Heritage Foundation

01/20/2026

SAVE THE DATE!! You're going to want to put this one on the calendar, folks. It's gonna be a big one!

The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is proud to present:
"An Afternoon with Franklin Adams:
The Crusaders who fought to save the Fakahatchee"
Friday, February 27, 2026 @ 2:00PM
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk

Event is free with paid park admission. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-seated basis; there is plenty of standing room, and you're welcome to bring your own lawn chair. For questions, or to RSVP, please email [email protected]

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"Franklin B. Adams was born in Miami, FL, to G.B. and Lois Franklin Adams. He is a graduate of Miami Senior High School, Miami Dade Junior College (Now Miami-Dade College), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Surveying and Mapping School. Mr. Adams is a Florida Master Naturalist. He served in the 841st Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has worked as a land surveyor, charter boat captain, and eco-guide in the Everglades City-Naples area of Florida.

He has served as a member of numerous environmental and conservation organizations, which is the focus of this collection. Over the past fifty years, Franklin has served in leadership positions with the Friends of the Everglades; Big Cypress Nature Center; Florida Conservation Foundation; Izaak Walton League of America; Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida; Florida Native Plant Society (founding member); Coalition to Save the Everglades; “Water!;” and the Florida Wildlife Federation.

He worked to establish the Florida Wildlife Federation Southwest Florida Office, as well as the restoration of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades system. He fought against the Miami Jetport and lobbied for the establishment of the Big Cypress National Preserve. He also worked to preserve the habitat of the Florida Panther and was a key figure in the protection of this endangered cat.

Mr. Adams has received numerous awards over the years related to his conservation work. Among these are Izaak Walton League of America Cypress Chapter Service Award, National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Award, and the National Wildlife Federation Hall of Fame Award."

12/06/2025

We have so many great speakers and musicians who are ready to perform for you THIS SATURDAY at the annual Swamp Heritage Festival! See you there!

10:15 - Welcome from Superintendent Tom Forsyth
10:30 - Speaker: Clyde Butcher - An amazing and well-known photographer known for his large-format black and white landscapes and his long career documenting the Everglades and other natural environments!
11:10 - Musician: Cypress Billie - A talented musician and songwriter from the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, who is influenced by bands with a variety of musical styles. Billie uses musical storytelling to reflect on his own life and experiences in the Everglades!
12:15 - Speaker: Anthony Sleiman - This Miami-based photographer and filmmaker captures the magic of the night sky over Big Cypress National Preserve. This presentation will be hosted in the Reed Auditorium instead of under the main tent to allow for a PowerPoint Presentation!
1:15 - Speaker: William 'Popeye' Osceola - Secretary of the Miccosukee Business Council, 'Popeye' is the Council's youngest member. He balances tradition and modernity with a creative flair!
2:15 - Musician: Steven Parnelle and the Skunk Apes - Hailing from Miami and taking inspiration from the Everglades, this group has a wealth of original tunes that cherish her unique ecology and culture. With touches of folk, indie and psychedelic rock, this is a 'Can't Miss' performance!

10/30/2025

10/28 Today in Florida History from the Florida Historical Society!

1950 – The second annual Naples Swamp Buggy Race was held on this date. Invented by Naples resident Ed Frank and used throughout the Everglades and much of south Florida during the 1930s and ‘40s, the swamp buggy proved to be an invaluable companion for early south Florida developers, hunters, and anyone traveling through south Florida’s swamps. The buggies are generally custom-built from the ground up, or are heavily modified stock vehicles. Early races began in the mid-1940s as local “gladesmen” began racing each other for fun, but by 1949 the first official swamp buggy race was held in Naples; a tradition that continues today.

10/03/2025

When you visit the Museum of the Everglades, you are invariably greeted by an amiable bearded gentleman named Matthew Anderson.

08/24/2025

05/29/2025

Hello friends,

We know many of you have been looking forward to the upcoming Cane Pole Classic, but due to the extreme drought conditions affecting our lakes, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the event until later this summer.

After careful discussion with our staff, we’ve determined that rescheduling is in the best interest of safety—especially for the young ones—and will also offer better opportunities for a successful and fun day of fishing.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back later this summer for a great day of fishin!
Stay tuned for the new date, and thank you for being part of this special community.

— The Gladesmen Heritage Foundation

02/28/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who made today’s event a success at the historic Naples Cottage! We are especially grateful to the Naples Historical Society and our friends at the Everglades City Museum for hosting us and supporting our mission.

Together, we’ve come so far from where we started, and the journey continues. With each step, we honor the past and build a stronger future for our Gladesmen heritage. Onward we go!

12/03/2024

Come join us this weekend for the Swamp Heritage Festival🛖🐊🤠
📅 Date: Saturday, December 7
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Nathaniel Reed Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve

Join us for a celebration of the unique cultural landscape of the Big Cypress National Preserve!

✨ What to Expect:
• Fascinating guest speakers sharing stories and history.
• Live entertainment showcasing the sounds of the swamp.
• Heritage-based exhibitors from across the region.
• Family-friendly activities for the little ones.

This FREE event is perfect for all ages and a great way to explore the traditions, history, and vibrant culture of the Big Cypress community.

Come be a part of the Swamp Heritage Festival and discover what makes this place truly special!

For more information, visit our website or contact the Gladesmen Heritage Foundation. See you in the swamp! 🌿