Everglades Trip

February 22, 2018 will mark the 20th anniversay of my Environmental Science trip.  This year, I'm taking 28 students to Everglades National Park.  It's the largest group we've had yet. In 1998 the class was called Bio 3, and there were only eight students and two chaperones. We traveled to Big Pine Key and recorded the location of endangered Key Deer.  My life forever changed on that trip.

Bio 3 has matured over the years.  The class is now AP Environmental Science, but the spirit of the trip is still the same. It's about falling in love with National Parks, and building memories that last a lifetime. 

Do you remember flying or camping for the first time?  Can your memory conjure up the taste of your first Robert Is Here shake? Can you close your eyes and picture those amazing Everglades sunrises?  Maybe, you remember that one time we went to the Pacific Northwest instead of South Florida.  Whew. What an adventure. Everglades National Park is now home to the senior APES trip. 

This year students will camp at Long Pine Key in the park. Our activities include canoeing Nine Mile Pond, slogging in the Cypress Dome, snorkeling at two coral reefs, and tagging sharks with researchers at Nova Southeastern University.  We'll also continue our research on cattails in the Hole in the Donut.  Of course, we'll stop by Robert is Here. Every. Day.

Would you consider donating to the Everglades trip? A few students have experienced financial difficulty.  I also need to update some equipment. As the trip grows so does the need for more sleep systems.  Maybe you just want to buy a student a shake from Robert's.  

Thanks for the memories.  Every trip is a special one for me.  I feel so fortunate to take students to the only Everglades on the planet.

p.s.  There is a rumor about an adult trip.  I'll keep you updated.