NIGHT SKY EXPERIENCE in the FAKAHATCHEE PRESERVE

While the Fakahatchee is famous for the flora and fauna, few visitors get to experience another feature of the Preserve—its dark nighttime sky.

The Preserve’s remote location limits light pollution from manmade sources, making it possible to observe stars, planets and other wonders of the heavens that are not visible in or near a city.

We are offering dark sky access to experts and amateurs, as well as everyone who just want to gaze the millions of stars.

This program offers participants the chance to experience and photograph the nighttime sky in one of the darkest places in southwest Florida. Your guide, an amateur photographer and astronomer, schedules each program when there is an interesting formation of planets and stars over the Preserve. Expensive telescope or camera to enjoy these sessions are not required , bring them if you have them—binoculars and cellphones are fine.

Photography enthusiasts are advised to plan photography or telescope activities in advance and will have the opportunity to work on their own interests during the session. We highly recommend the use of apps such as Photo Pills or Stellarium, each are available on the Apple and Android App stores.

The evening will take place on Janes Scenic Drive unpaved road, at a short five minute walk to the location where you will spend the evening.

Note that the park will be closed to the general public at sundown, providing participants a quiet evening.

Arrival instructions will be e-mailed to participants the day before the Night Sky session.

CAUTION: The ONLY access to Janes Scenic Drive is Via Route 29. DO NOT rely on GPS or Google Map info which will show other routes that were closed a long time ago. If driving I-75 take Exit 80.

Link to Park map https://orchidswamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fakahatchee-Preserve-map-July-2021-1.pdf