Community School of Naples Field Trip

Florida Wildlife Corridor Ecology Immersion Day with Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch

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The Community School of Naples and Live Wildly have teamed up for another all-day Florida Wildlife Corridor excursion. This time we are exploring the ecology of the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades with visits to Archbold Biological Station and Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch on Nov. 4, 2023. Archbold’s staff is known across the country for making science accessible and fun for children and adults.

Archbold is an independent non-profit organization specializing in ecological research, conservation, and education within the 2.6 million-acres of the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades. We are visiting two of their main properties: Archbold Biological Station, a nature preserve where they study the rare Florida scrub ecosystem; and Buck Island Ranch, a working cattle ranch where cowboys and scientists work together. We will spend the morning at the Station for a guided ecology hike, a live snake demonstration, a look at Archbold’s pinned bug collection (normally restricted to the public), and a meeting with international wildlife photographer and Live Wildly Adventurist, George McKenzie Jr.

After a bag lunch, we will head to the Ranch for buggy tour and presentations by Ranch ecologists. Ranch visitors often see deer, the rare Crested Caracara, and alligators.

Space is limited to 50 people. Come prepared for the sun and heat, an hour-long hike in loose sand, and a sometimes-bumpy ride at the ranch. Archbold recommends water bottles, hats, pants and closed toed shoes or boots, and loose light-colored clothing.

Please read our Release of Liability. You must agree to the terms in our Release of Liability by entering your name on the registration form when prompted, stating that you have read and understand the terms and agree to the conditions. The person entering his/her name on the registration form as the parent or guardian of a minor child acknowledges that they are also agreeing to the terms of our Release of Liability as the parent or guardian of listed minor child/children.