South Florida Rarities Tour

From 'Sensing Nature LLC":

Reserve Your Spot Today on the South Florida Rarities Tour.
Limited Space Available!

Registration Deposit of $100 Due Monday, April 5 (non-refundable)
Remaining Payment Due Friday, April 30
$550 per Person Tour Fee Includes: Biologist Tour Guides and All Guest Guides, Entrance & Activity Fees, and Boat Fees.
Fee Does Not Include Meals, Lodging, Ground Transportation or Field Gear.
Hotel Reservations are the Responsibility of Each Individual.

We are excited to announce our annual partnering trip with Heinrich Ecological Services. This adventure will be taking us to south Florida's vast wilderness where many species are hanging onto their future survival by their toenails.

These imperiled species that we are seeking showcase the ongoing struggle between nature and habitat loss, landscape fragmentation, and sometimes even human exploitation. But hope is not lost, and neither are these wonderful creatures and their habitats! Thoughout the week, we will highlight ways that we can help these state and federally listed species (species of special concern, threatened, endangered) through various efforts, while also discovering why their habitats are often as unique as they are.

Some of the species that we will be seeking include burrowing owls, crocodiles, diamondback terrapins, great white herons, roseate spoonbills, Florida tree snails, Key deer, coral reefs and their inhabitants, plus many others.

We hope that you will be able to join us on this fun, learning adventure in South Florida!

Jeanne Murphy & Brian Lane
Sensing Nature
UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Instructors

May 3, Monday

Morning: Visit Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Sites and Enjoy a Guest Presentation about these Bright-eyed Owls-Excellent Photo Opportunities Afternoon:Eat Lunch on the Road (bring own) Hike Big Cypress National Preserve with BCNP's Outreach SpecialistEvening:Check into Hotel in Florida City

May 4, Tuesday

Early Morning:
Guided Birding (optional) in Everglades National ParkMorning:
Visit Ernest Coe Visitor Center then Explore Everglades National Park (ENP)Afternoon: Bring Own Sack Lunch to Enjoy in ENP while Learning about the Environmentally Dangerous Burmese PythonsLate Afternoon & Evening: Explore ENP's Roadways Looking for Snakes, Frogs, Turtles, Mammals, Owls, and Alligators. Stop to Enjoy a Sunset Picnic Dinner in Flamingo where American Crocodiles are Often Seen. Afterwards, Continue Viewing ENP's Nocturnal Residents. Late Evening: Return to Hotel

May 5, Wednesday

Morning & Afternoon: Depart Key Largo by Boat to become a "Researcher for a Day" with Institute of Wildlife Sciences Researcher on an island about an hour from Key Largo.
Survey Island for the Imperiled Diamondback Terrapin in Florida Bay-Assist with Mark and Recapture Research
Search for Signs of the Native Mangrove Water Snakes
Document Evidence of the Non-native Invasive Black Rat (Rattus rattus), which prey on Terrapin Nests as well as other Native Wildlife.

May 6, Thursday

Morning: Savor an Early Morning Guided Hike at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. Relax in an Endangered Tropical Hardwood Hammock while Looking for Rare Florida Tree Snails. Late Morning & Early Afternoon: Free Time for Brunch and Independent Exploration of Pennekamp State Park or Other Key Largo Highlights. Late Afternoon:Unwind on the Boat Ride to a Coral Reef for Snorkeling. Keep Your Mask Clear looking for Tropical Fishes, Large Conchs & Nurse Sharks!Evening: Enjoy a Group Dinner and Return to Hotel

May 7, Friday

Morning: Visit National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center. Search for Florida Key Deer and White Crowned Pigeons on No Name KeyAfternoon: Lunch with the Locals at the Unique Historic "No Name Pub" Restaurant. Afterwards, Visit Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit Habitat on Sugarloaf and Geiger Keys and Search for Signs of This Endangered Mammal. Mid-Afternoon & Evening:Continue Traveling South to Exciting Key West. Spend Free-time Strolling, Shopping and Relaxing in this Festive Historic Town. Dine Together Sharing Memories and a Recap of the Tour.

To Register for the South Florida Rarities Natural History Tour, or For More Information about the Trip, Please Call Us at 727-397-2306 or Email at info@sensingnature.com