Snack, Slog and Sawsedge - Field experience in the Florida Everglades

The Payhayokee... The River of Grass… A Biosphere Reserve… The  Everglades

Florida’s unique natural treasure and the only ecosystem of its kind on the planet! The survival of the Earth depends, in part, on the level of environmental awareness we develop in each other and maintain in ourselves. The potential for change is unlimited if we develop an awareness and appreciation for our natural environment. We believe that this increased awareness in environmental perception and pleasure is most effective when discovered while actually in the ecosystem itself. Come and experience this unique treasure with us on our unforgettable trip into the once mystical “river of grass”.

The Snack, Slog & Sawsedge is a four-hour field experience (9am-1pm) which takes place in the Florida Everglades in Weston, FL.  The location will be emailed to participants.

Participants who attend will be involved in an in-depth investigation of a natural sawgrass prairie succession. They spend the day investigating the biodiversity of the Everglades, exploring the geology of the system, relating critters to the health of the ecosystem, analyzing water from various locations, and understanding the impact of exotic flora and fauna. Each participant uses their own personal logbook and pencil to record data. You are responsible for recording the data collected through an online form - citizen science! Wildlife Biologists have a full day of experiential learning we think of as “edutainment”!

Come and experience this unique treasure with us on our unforgettable trip into the mystical “river of grass”. "WE ARE ALL CONNECTED, SO WE ARE ALL AFFECTED!"

GENERAL AGENDA (this may be changed based on timing that particular day):
• 9am: Sign-in, welcome, introduction/background
• Plants, animal exhibits, levee talk, bathroom
• Lunch (bring your own)
• Bathtub, slog, critter lab & water quality testing
• Dry lab, wrap-up: 1pm

REQUIRED BY ALL TO PARTICIPATE:
▪ Long pants (to the ankle)
▪ Closed-toed shoes that tie securely to feet (no sandals, "water shoes", slip-ons, etc. - galoshes
and wading boots are highly discouraged)
▪ Permission/Liability forms filled out completely/properly for each attending participant
▪ Water bottle
OPTIONAL, BUT SUGGESTED:
▪ Sunglasses
▪ Hat
▪ Socks

OPTIONAL, DEPENDENT ON CIRCUMSTANCES & PERSONAL PREFERENCES:
▪ Long-sleeved shirt - only while slogging (walking through the sawgrass)
▪ Rain coat/poncho
▪ Sunblock
▪ Insect repellent
▪ Camera (beware, we will be in and around water throughout the day)
▪ Towel to sit on when back in your vehicle

NOTE:
▪ No smoking of any kind at any time on the trip
▪ There is no place to change clothes – we cannot use their restrooms after being in the water

COST:
• $25/person includes:
o Everglades background & information
o Individual logbook & pencil to keep
o Water quality collection & other observations with analysis
o Exclusive, in-depth slogging experience
o An opportunity to network with like-minds
o Ideas of what you can do with your students/participants
o Discount for an airboat ride