Trust Projects
The South Florida National Parks Trust has provided more than $1 million to its partner parks since 2002 to support programs and projects in four critical areas: environmental education, visitor services, volunteer activities and community outreach. Contributions to the Trust have made the following projects possible:
Environmental Education
Thousands of school children learn about the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and its barrier islands, the Big Cypress and Dry Tortugas each year during overnight camping trips and day programs in our parks. The Trust provides critical support for these programs.
Wayside Exhibits in Everglades National Park
Visitors can learn about the Everglades in English and Spanish by visiting nine new wayside exhibits installed along the main park road with money provided by the Trust.
Underwater Marine Heritage Trail
Six submerged shipwrecks in Biscayne National Park are being linked in an underwater trail for divers and snorkelers, with detailed site maps and educational guides for the public.
Saving the Civil War era cannons at Fort Jefferson
Efforts are underway to restore the massive cannons that defended Fort Jefferson from attack in the 19th century. The Trust is underwriting this effort.
Underwater Camera at Shark Valley
Visitors to Shark Valley – one of the premiere places to see wildlife in the Everglades – can look for wildlife under water with a submerged camera installed behind the visitor center.
Sea Turtle Protection Program
Biscayne National Park and the Trust are working to protect sea turtle nests inside the park while educating the public about the threats posed by predators and marine debris.
Recruiting Volunteers
The Trust recently donated a 21-foot boat to Biscayne National Park to support the park’s volunteer program. The boat will help the park train volunteers and put them to work throughout the park.
Wildlife Viewing Scopes at Flamingo
Everglades National Park installed two wildlife viewing scopes in Flamingo overlooking Florida Bay with funding provided by the Trust.
Junior Ranger Program
South Florida’s national parks expanded the popular Junior Ranger program for children and families by developing new materials in Spanish and Haitian Creole with help from the Trust.
Channel Markers in Florida Bay
Markers in Florida Bay guide boaters in Everglades National Park and protect the bay’s critical habitat.
By supporting these and other projects, the Trust seeks to foster a greater appreciation for our national parks and promote a legacy of stewardship in South Florida. You can support our work on behalf of South Florida’s national parks by making a donation today.
Everglades National Park