Cypress IWLA

04/07/2026

🌿 Florida Ducks Unlimited Conservation Highlight 🦆

Projects & Updates for the Sunshine State

📣 Volunteer Events 2026 – Save the Dates!

Deep in the southwest Everglades, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park—Florida’s largest state park—is getting a boost in restoration efforts, and we need your help!

Ducks Unlimited, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, recently secured NAWCA funding to restore the park’s unique marl prairie wetlands. By removing old farming berms and restoring natural water flow, we’re helping this ecosystem thrive once again. Thanks to support from the Collier Foundation, we’ll also be planting native grasses to jumpstart recovery.

🌱 Volunteer with Us!

Be part of this meaningful restoration project:

📍 Location: Danhouse Prairie, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve (off Tamiami Trail / SR-41)

🗓️ Dates:
• April 11, 2026
• April 25, 2026
• May 16, 2026

🛠️ What You’ll Do:
Help plant native grasses and support hands-on conservation efforts in one of Florida’s most important natural areas.

📩 How to Sign Up:
Email Christina Stevens (DU Florida Communications Chair) at [email protected] with:
Participant names
Dates you’re available
Available vehicles (pickup trucks, UTVs, trailers) and tools (shovels, augers, etc.)

Let’s work together to restore and protect Florida’s wetlands for generations to come 💚

Information provided by Jeff Beal, Florida Regional Biologist, Ducks Unlimited

03/29/2026

03/28/2026

the Queen and her court stopped by!

03/28/2026

Cypress Chapter the Izaak Walton League is at the Immokalee Cattle drive today. It goes from 10 until three. Come see us and learn about the projects. just upon improvement project and the dear friends, deer being relocated to Miccosukee tribal lands in cooperation with the tribe and local ranches. Will be doing Siana typing from 12 until two.

02/15/2026

In January, Vice President Betty Osceola proudly sponsored the first-ever Airboat Poker Run at Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours in the heart of the Everglades, bringing our community together in support of the Cypress IWLA Deer Friends Project.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, and helped make this event such a success. Your enthusiasm and support are what make initiatives like this possible!

We can’t wait to see you all again next year for an even bigger and better ride! 🌿🚤
Learn more about the Deer Friends Project:
https://cypressiwla.org/deerfriends/

10/24/2025

🦌 Help Us Bring Deer Back to the Everglades 🦌

The Everglades Deer Reintroduction Project is a groundbreaking effort to restore balance and biodiversity to one of Florida’s most iconic landscapes, and we need your help to make it happen.

Due to the recent federal government shutdown, partial funding for this initiative has been paused. To keep this critical work moving forward, we’re asking those who care deeply about conservation, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and our wild places and wildlife to chip in and be part of this historic effort.

Every dollar makes a difference, from $25 to $2,500, all support is needed and appreciated.

Individuals and organizations that contribute $2,500 will be invited to join us in the field, participate in the deer release, and be matched with a deer and its GPS tracking tag, becoming more than just a donor, but truly a “Deer Friend.”

Together, we can ensure that the Everglades remains wild, vibrant, and full of life for generations to come. 🌿

👉 Learn more and support the project here: https://cypressiwla.org/deerfriends

10/10/2025

Remembering Peter Leslie Quasius
We are profoundly saddened to share the passing of Peter Leslie Quasius ("Pete") on October 2nd at his home.

Pete was a dedicated leader and volunteer, serving in many roles for various South Florida organizations for over 20 years. His commitment and guidance had a lasting impact and will be deeply missed.

Brett Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Angler Action Foundation, has written a tribute honoring Pete’s contributions to Florida and the lessons he passed on to us all. Read the full tribute here:

https://www.angleractionfoundation.org/memory-peter-leslie-quasius

In accordance with Pete's wishes, there will be no formal service. Messages in his memory can be left here or sent to [email protected] to be included in the foundation's story.

Submitted by Brett Fitzgerald on Thu, 10/09/2025 - 13:18 The Pete I Knew by Brett Fitzgerald, Executive Director, AAF [email protected] The Angler Action Foundation, several other conservation groups, his wonderful family and friends, and the entire state of Florida lost a giant on Oc...

09/24/2025

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is inviting wounded veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom hunting and fishing trips.

Led by the Florida Forest Service, Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural lands, and private lands throughout Florida at no cost. Wounded veterans can apply online today for spots on upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom events.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4v36x6nf

09/08/2025

08/25/2025