Big Cypress Tree State Park Offering Activities

GREENFIELD (June 20) - The Big Cypress Tree State Park, located outside of Greenfield, has a packed summer planned for community members. The weekend events are free to the public and planned with the whole family in mind. Events include guest speakers, special presentations and helpful tips for enjoying the great outdoors. Here is a list of activities slated for Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26:

FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH

12:30 p.m. – Fire Starting: Meet in Playground Parking Lot

Find out the basics of fire starting with seasonal interpreter Taylor.

2 p.m. – Park Scavenger Hunt: Meet at Picnic Shelter

Join seasonal interpreter Taylor for a scavenger hunt around the park! The scavenger hunt will focus on history of the park as well as some of the beautiful nature features. Perfect for all ages. Meet in the swing set parking lot to get your scavenger hunt card and marker, you will also need a phone or camera to take pictures of some of your finds. Closed toed shoes, bug spray and water are all encouraged.

3 p.m. – Leaves, Leaves, Leaves: Meet at Picnic Shelter

Create your own leaf identification book with seasonal interpreter Taylor. We’ll be using leaves from the trees around the park to create leaf rubbings in small book to use for beginner identification. All materials needed for this activity will be provided.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25TH

9 a.m. – Bees in the Park: Meet at Outdoor Classroom

What is the buzz at Big Cypress? Bees of course! Learn the life cycle and habits of native bees and honeybees at the park. You will also get an introduction to the park’s apiary. This program will require a small amount of hiking of easy difficulty. Not recommended for those allergic to bees. Meet at the outdoor classroom next to the park office.

10:30 a.m. – Leaves, Leaves, Leaves: Meet at Picnic Shelter

Create your own leaf identification book with seasonal interpreter Taylor. We’ll be using leaves from the trees around the park to create leaf rubbings in small book to use for beginner identification. All supplies needed for this activity provided.

1:30 p.m. – Pelt Station: Meet at Picnic Shelter

-Seasonal interpreter Taylor will be set up at the picnic shelter for an hour showing off the pelts and skulls of some of the mammals found at Big Cypress Tree State Park.

3 p.m. – Our State Reptile: There’s No Place Like Home: Meet at Outdoor Classroom

What do Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and our state reptile have in common? Join seasonal interpreter Taylor at the outdoor classroom to find out.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH

7:30 a.m. – Bird Hike: Meet in Playground Parking Lot

Get an introduction to backyard birding with seasonal interpreter Taylor. This hike will be of easy difficulty and focus on sound identification of common birds. Meet in the playground parking lot. Bug spray and water are encouraged. Optional items include walking sticks, field guides and binoculars.

10 a.m. – Bees in the Park: Meet at Outdoor Classroom

What is the buzz at Big Cypress? Bees of course! Learn the life cycle and habits of native bees and honeybees at the park. You will also get an introduction to the park’s apiary. This program will require a small amount of hiking of easy difficulty. Not recommended for those allergic to bees. Meet at the outdoor classroom next to the park office.

1 p.m. – Plant Hike: Meet in Playground Parking Lot

Get an introduction to plants with seasonal interpreter Taylor. This hike will be of easy difficulty and focus on the identification of common flowers and trees. Meet in the playground parking lot. Bug spray and water are encouraged. Optional items include walking sticks and field guides.

2:30 p.m. – Leaves, Leaves, Leaves: Meet at Picnic Shelter

Create your own leaf identification book with seasonal interpreter Taylor. We’ll be using leaves from the trees around the park to create leaf rubbings in small book to use for beginner identification. All supplies needed for this activity provided.

4 p.m. – Snakes of Big Cypress: Meet at Outdoor Classroom

Join seasonal interpreter Taylor to learn about some of the different snakes found at Big Cypress Tree, why snakes are important to the environment, and how to identify venomous versus nonvenomous snakes. She’ll also introduce you to our newest park resident, Cornflake the corn snake.