Big Cypress Orchids

[Tim Abbott]

Our guide told us all the names, but I didn't write them down & don't remember.  

[frank]

It is neat that you got to see 6 different species of orchids.  Too bad they weren't blooming at the time.  Was your guide a ranger who has been there for 20+ years??
It won't be long before our Butterfly orchids will be getting blossoms.  Tosohatchee South will probably be where we will go to get some photos.

[Tim Abbott]

Hi Frank, You would probably like this tour. It is put on every year around October and you walk through Clyde Butcher property south of Naples. It is a fundraiser put on by South Florida National Parks Trust & it cost $50 I think. I still have info if you are interested. Our guide was a volunteer, but very well versed on the plants & animals and topography of the swamp. We ran across a few rangers, there were several tours going on at the same time. It was a very tame walk, but very enjoyable. We were in about ankle deep water all of the way and it got about hip deep in one place. They had given so many tours over the years they had actually worn little paths through the swamp. Lots of other options to take boat tours & hike around there.

[frank]

Yes I would be interested in the information. Do they have a web site? It is definitely for a worthy cause

[Tim Abbott]

That's what I thought too. Clyde Butcher has private tours but more more $$. Check out his website, he rents a place right in the swamp, a pricy option. I will have to find info or search their name & big Cypress Swamp Tour

[Tim Abbott]

Hi Frank, Here is their website. www.southfloridaparks.org/ We stayed at a place called Port of the Islands & it was about 30 miles away, Everglades City may have something too. The swamp walk I took was sometime in October.

[frank]

Thanks Tim. We will keep checking that website to see events offered for when they will have the swamp tour.