Day Trip to Big Cypress Swamp
The USA Dive Club flag shone brightly over Big Cypress Preserve during our March social gathering. The group included Lisa Kennedy and Brad Baron riding along with Kathi McCutcheon, Clare Anthon and guest Eugene, John Ficarra, Julie and Russ Manhold, and Lee Ann Waggener and guest Susan. We drove along the newly raised portion of the Tamiami Trail and witnessed the advancing progress on the largest hydrologic restoration project in history. This $10.5 billion dollar environmental solution to save the Everglades is on schedule to be completed in 2035. As each section of the road is elevated, more water will be able to flow south again into Florida Bay, replenishing and nourishing this sensitive ecosystem. For more information about this project, click the following link: Saving the Everglades
When we reached the Oasis Visitor Center, we viewed a beautiful film about the preserve, its history, wildlife, and educational value. Next, we watched the alligators alongside the boardwalk and decided to have lunch there. We hung our Club banner on the fence behind the picnic tables and shared our lunches in the shade. The weather couldn’t have been better, with clear blue skies and cooling breezes.
The final stop was a visit to the nearby Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery. Out front is one of the nicest examples of swamp beauty in the area. There were wood storks in the cypress trees, Spanish moss on the branches, and wading birds in the pond. The winter dry season was evident in the lowered water levels of the pond, yet new greening of the cypress trees revealed the coming spring.
After a short walk through the forest, we went into the gallery where Clyde Butcher exhibits his world-famous black and white photos of the swamp and other natural areas around the world. His work has become very popular and quite expensive.
This little outing was a relaxing, low-key change from our often hectic adventures. It was so nice to just get outdoors and be with our friends.
If you would like to view the photo album, click the following link:
Day Trip to Big Cypress Swamp
Kathi McCutcheon, Event Leader
