Everglades, November 2008

Enjoy the beauty of a fascinating American landscape—and learn about its controversial history—at our upcoming cultural heritage tour of the Everglades. We’ll explore the area’s diverse ecosystem and its intriguing political and social past.  Our home base for the weekend will be Everglades City, a remote fishing outpost that is known as the Gateway to the 10,000 islands.

Highlights of the Gathering weekend include:

Pre-Gathering

Option One: Wetland Hike The Pre-Gathering boat tour is now FULL.
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, and introduce us to rarely seen varieties of orchids and other botanical wonders.
Lunch is included. Please note: this activity requires some physical exertion and includes wading through water. Space is limited. The Pre-Gathering boat tour is now FULL.
Wetland Hike: $55

Option Two: Nature Writing in the Everglades with Susan Cerulean.
Join long-time Florida nature writer Susan Cerulean for a half-day in the Everglades, recording your own natural reflections.  We’ll use a variety of guided exercises to connect ourselves through pen and journal, to the area’s unique habitats and wildlife.  We’ll also talk about the importance of keeping a nature journal, and writing nature memoir, at this particular time on the planet.
Lunch is included. Space is limited.
Nature writing workshop: $50

The Gathering

Friday evening, November 7

We’ll kick off our weekend with delicious nibbles from the Seafood Depot.  Chow down on fried gator, shrimp and other local eats while overlooking the water on the restaurant’s lovely verandah.  Then we’ll move inside for an intriguing look into the political, environmental, and scientific history of the Everglades with a panel discussion featuring:

• Dr. J. Allison DeFoor, III.  While serving as Governor Jeb Bush’s “Everglades Czar” DeFoor helped put together the largest land restoration project in world history. He is now State Coordinator for EarthBalance®, an environmental restoration firm.
• Dr. Jack E. Davis, an environmental historian from the University of Florida. His latest book An Everglades Providence: Marjory Stoneman Douglas and the American Environmental Century will be published in 2009. 
• Tom VanLent, Senior Scientist with the Everglades Foundation.

Saturday, November 8

This morning we’ll wake up bright and early for a trip to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation.  As we travel we’ll listen to Peg McPherson, Vice President of the Everglades Foundation, the only national organization dedicated specifically to Everglades' restoration, as she explains the changing trends in efforts to restore the Everglades.

Upon our arrival at the museum, we’ll meet our morning speakers for a comparative exploration of the struggle to retain indigenous sovereignty experienced by the Seminole Indians of Florida and the Maori people of New Zealand.   The discussion will feature:

• Tina Marie Osceola--Director of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and Seminole scholar.
• Sir Tipene O’Regan, a leading political figure in the Maori Ngai Tahu tribe of New Zealand.
• Dr. Harry Kersey--Professor of History Emeritus at Florida Atlantic University, and widely recognized expert on Seminole/Miccosukee history and culture.

Following the discussion we’ll linger at the museum to explore the American Indian Arts Celebration, a showcase of Native American arts, music, and dance at the Museum's festival grounds.

Upon our return to Everglades City we’ll enjoy some R&R time.  This is a perfect chance to explore the Museum of the Everglades, or just relax at the Seafood Depot with a tempting beverage.  But don’t miss our late afternoon boat tour! We'll cruise through the exotic Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades National Park on a tour fully narrated by national park-trained naturalists.  Catch a glimpse of wildlife as they approach the quiet-engine boat. 

Tonight we’ll dine at the historic Rod and Gun Club. Following dinner we’ll hear from historian Gary Mormino, author of Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida, as he regales us with tales of colorful characters and events in Everglades’ history.  From Totch Brown to the Tamiami Trail, Dr. Mormino will share fascinating stories of the Everglades’ past.

Sunday, November 9

Following our farewell breakfast on Sunday morning we’ll join nature writer Susan Cerulean to contemplate “The Nature of Place: Living in Florida in Critical Times” Susan is a north Florida writer, naturalist and activist.  Her latest book is a nature memoir called Tracking Desire: A Journey After Swallow-Tailed Kites.  She wrote the Florida Wildlife Viewing Guide, and has edited The Book of the Everglades and The Wild Heart of Florida.  Susan will discuss how we can draw upon our own natural histories to create a truly sustainable human presence in the Sunshine state in the face of unprecedented population growth and climate change.

If you have time, join us after Susan’s talk for a visit to the Smallwood Store. Established in 1906, the Smallwood Store and Trading Post served the area with a place to trade hides, furs and farm produce, handle mail, and to sell needed goods to the settlers.  It is now a museum and gift shop telling the history of southwest Florida. 

Lodging
Participants must reserve and pay for their own accommodations.

There are several options for lodging in Everglades City.  Upon registration you will be sent a list of accommodations to choose from.  Please make your reservations immediately, as November is a popular time of year for tourists in the Everglades. Rates begin at $75.00 a night.

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.

Wetland Hike: $55

Nature writing workshop: $50

The Gathering
Fee includes Friday-evening reception and dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, Sunday farewell breakfast; Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki admission, Saturday boat tour, and all scholars, guides, and presenters.

$300/person

Please note: All Gathering participants must be members of the Florida Humanities Council. An annual FHC membership is valid for all individuals residing in the same household. If you are not a current member of the Florida Humanities Council, an additional $50 FHC annual membership fee will be applied to your final registration total. 

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing (by e-mail, fax, or mail.) Cancellations received prior to October 1 will be subject to a $50 processing fee.  Cancellations received between October 1 and October 24th is subject to a cancellation fee of 25% of total registration costs. No refunds will be given after October 24th, 2008.

Registration

Space in The Gathering and the Pre-Gathering is limited. Registrations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for the Everglades Gathering, click here.

Contact Information
Monica Rowland
(727) 873-2005
mrk@flahum.org