Investing in Education, Exploration & Conservation

(Image by Scott Randolph)

Your support helps our mission and vision to protect Big Cypress National Preserve for generations to come.

Our Mission:

Our ongoing mission is to support the Preserve by providing vital financial and in-kind resources that enhance its programs, operations, and long-term protection.

Our Vision:

Our vision is a future where Big Cypress National Preserve is cherished, protected, and responsibly experienced—connecting people of all ages to its wild beauty, diverse ecosystems, and cultural heritage for generations to come

Group of children outdoors wearing backpacks and hats, studying rocks and maps during a nature hike.

Where your donation goes

When you become a friend of Big Cypress National Preserve, you help support several important environmental and education programs that build a legacy of care and conservation for the preserve.

S.W.A.M.P. Environmental Education Program

The Swamp Water And Me Program (S.W.A.M.P.) brings nearly 3,000 sixth-grade students from Collier County Schools into the preserve each year for hands-on science learning. Students become "S.W.A.M.P. Scientists," conducting field experiments and collecting data in the swamp. This unique program is tied to their Earth Science curriculum and has been running for over 26 years.

A woman guide giving a nature talk to a group of five people on a forest trail, with educational materials on the ground nearby.

Outreach & Special Programs

In addition to S.W.A.M.P., the Preserve’s Education and Outreach Team provides programs for schools, colleges, adult groups, and visitors from across the country. These include:

  • Swamp walks, canoe trips, and Night Sky programs

  • Classroom visits and community events

  • Virtual programs reaching over 11,000 participants nationwide

  • Citizen science projects like the Dragonfly Mercury Project, monitoring mercury pollution

Two scientists working in a marsh, one sitting on a stool reading a notebook, and the other standing at equipment, both wearing yellow shirts, in a wet, grassy area.

Conservation Efforts

Big Cypress National Preserve is deeply committed to conservation, working alongside scientists and biologists to protect its diverse ecosystems. Efforts include habitat restoration, rare plant and wildlife research, invasive species management, and long-term monitoring of species like the Florida panther and white-tailed deer. These projects support the health of the Preserve and contribute to broader Everglades restoration goals.

Three people, two adults and a young girl in a backpack carrier, hiking through a flooded forest with tall trees and ferns, some of which are submerged in water.

Who we reach

Each season, Big Cypress National Preserve welcomes local and national school groups, and university science students, too. Our friends group also works with several leadership and community organizations to build awareness. Each year, we also host countless families and festival goers at community events.

Group of 14 people, including park rangers, standing outdoors in front of trees and a sign that reads 'Find Your Park,' for a park event or celebration.

How your donation helps

Your donation supports vital outreach programs, conservation efforts, and helps meet the ongoing needs of Big Cypress National Preserve. From educational initiatives to habitat protection and unforseen challenges, your generosity ensures that this extraordinary landscape and its wildlife continue to thrive for generations to come.

Become a friend of Big Cypress!

Every dollar makes a difference in helping students and the public explore, learn about, and protect the Big Cypress National Preserve.

“This isn’t just a piece of land – it’s a living, breathing sanctuary. Together, we can ensure it stays that way.”

— Clyde Butcher | Renowned Landscape Photographer & Conservationist