FLAMINGO, FL: Everglades National Park will collaborate with the Swamp Apes Volunteer Group to host a volunteer event along the Bear Lake Canoe Trail on Sunday, February 24th 2013. This event is limited to 10 participants and will involve cleaning up the trail by removing fallen trees and debris that unsafely block its path.

Volunteers will work from canoes and on land. Staff will discuss the Homestead Canal’s history, the mangrove habitat, and Calusa Indian culture.

For reservations, contact John Souva at (305) 242-7040. Volunteers will meet at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Parking lot at 9:00 am. The event will be all day with an approximate end time around 5pm. Be prepared for hot and humid weather. Participants are required to wear long-sleeved shirts, boots, and long pants to protect against exposure to sun, biting insects, poisonwood, and ivy. ! If volunteers are dressed inappropriately, they will not be able to participate. We will provide all work materials. Please bring a lunch, water, hat, sunglasses, and maybe a change of clothes. Participating volunteers will receive a free entry pass, enabling each volunteer to visit the Everglades again and share this unique National Park with their family and friends.

Directions: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034 Volunteers coming from the Miami area and northern destinations should take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends merging with U.S.1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center will be on the right.

www.nps.gov More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 395 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.