The Everglades Gathering

Join us for an unforgettable weekend adventure as we visit one of America’s most fascinating landscapes.  We’ll explore the area’s diverse ecosystem and its intriguing political and social past.  Our home for the weekend will be Everglades City, a remote fishing outpost that is known as the Gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands.

Pre-Gathering Programs, Friday, March 9, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Option One: Wetland Hike
Hike through the complex mosaic of the Fakahatchee Strand which supports plant species not found anywhere else in the United States. Biologist Mike Owen will lead us off the trail, deep into this rich ecosystem, introducing us to rarely seen varieties of orchids, bromeliads, birds, and other wildlife. Please note: this activity requires some physical exertion and includes wading through water.  Space is limited.
Wetland Hike: $55 (Lunch included)

Option Two: Nature Presentation and Guided Hike along the Boardwalk
Park ranger Lisa Andrews will provide an introduction to the wonders of the Big Cypress Swamp at the visitor center and then accompany the group for an up-close look at the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife in the massive cypress strand.  This activity is less challenging and more accessible.  Space is limited.
Presentation and Boardwalk Hike: $55 (Lunch included)

The Gathering

Friday Evening

We’ll kick off our weekend during a reception at the Seafood Depot, our meeting base for the weekend.  We will meet others in our group as we sample fried gator, conch fritters, and other local specialties on the restaurant verandah.

Then we’ll move inside for dinner and an intriguing look into the social, environmental and scientific history of the Everglades with Rae Ann Wessel, Natural Resource Policy Director of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, and Rebecca Garvoille, Florida International University PhD Candidate in Anthropology.  Wessel will help us to understand the vast water system and bring us up to date on the results of recent restoration efforts.  Garvoille will focus on the history of those who live in this area which other see as an inhospitable environment.

Saturday

This morning we’ll visit the Miccosukee tribal lands with Lee Tiger, son of former Chief Buffalo Tiger.  Lee Tiger will guide us by airboat to his father’s ancestral homeland and tell us about Miccosukee life in the Glades, past and present.

Lunch will include a stop at the Big Cypress Gallery where we will meet renowned Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher.   We’ll then move on to visit the Museum of the Everglades for an overview of the history of the area.

Later in the afternoon we’ll depart for a cruise through the exotic Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades National Park.  The trip will provide for relaxation and enjoyment of the area’s natural beauty while we learn about the unique history of this national wildlife refuge, a very different ecosystem than the River of Grass.

Our next stop is Chokoloskee and a visit to the famed Smallwood Store.  A look at Chokoloskee’s frontier beginnings will serve as backdrop to a conversation with some of the local folks who continue to make their living from the land and sea. 

Our hosts for dinner, descendants of pioneer store owner Ted Smallwood, will serve up a fish fry under the a Seminole chickee with a captivating view of the Gulf waters.  To finish off the evening, Florida folk musicians Pete Gallagher and Pat Barmore will bring us local songs and stories.  The area’s history of renegades, outlaws, and wild and beautiful landscapes make for terrific stories and even better songs.

Sunday Morning

Following our farewell breakfast on Sunday morning we will be joined in conversation by anthropologist Theresa Schober, who will help us to examine the impressions and perceptions we have of this changing Florida landscape – the people, the land, the water, the future.

Lodging
Participants must reserve and pay for their own accommodations.

There are several options for lodging in Everglades City.  Please make your reservations immediately, as this is a popular time of year for tourists in the Everglades and accommodations are limited.  We do not make recommendations but the following establishments know of our weekend events.

• Captains Table – 239-695-4211 (www.captainstablehotel.com)
  Price range $85.00 – 170.00 + tax.
   
• Ivy House – 239-695-3299 (www.iveyhouse.com) 
  Price range $99.00 – 179.00 + tax.
   
• Rod & Gun Club – 239-695-2101 (www.evergladesrodandgun.com)
   Price range $110.00 – 140.00 + tax.

Fee Schedule
All registration fees help support the public programs and services of the Florida Humanities Council. 

Pre-Gathering
Pre-Gathering activities are optional add-ons to the Gathering weekend.

• Presentation and Boardwalk Hike: $55 (Includes lunch)
   
• Wetland Hike: $55 (Includes lunch)

The Gathering
Fee includes Friday-evening reception and dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sunday farewell breakfast. Bus transportation, Airboat tour, Ten Thousand Islands boat tour, entry fees, and all scholars, guides, and presenters. 

$325/person Current Florida Humanities Council members
$375/person Non-members (Fee includes one-year Florida Humanities Council Membership for all household members)

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing (by e-mail, fax, or mail). Cancellations received prior to February 1 will be subject to a $50 processing fee.  Cancellations received anytime during February are subject to a cancellation fee of 25% of total registration costs. No refunds will be given after March 1st.

Registration
Space in The Gathering and the Pre-Gathering is limited. Registrations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Information
Laurie Berlin
(727) 873-2006
lberlin@flahum.org