Our field trip there on February 24 will be a Florida Master Naturalist’s Dream Day. Archbold Biological Station is a world-class natural laboratory situated on the Lake Wales Ridge at the headwaters of the Everglades. Researchers there have been studying and protecting ecosystems located nowhere else on Earth for 85 years. Archbold’s working cattle ranch, Buck Island Ranch, covers 10,500 acres. It underscores the station’s science and conservation mission of studying working lands in conjunction with the environments they’re located in.

Our field day offers a unique opportunity to tour the Lake Wales Ridge with educators and scientists who are working to safeguard the life, lands, and water of Florida and beyond.

What to Expect

Participants will arrive at Archbold by 8:45AM. Our morning will begin with two special guided tours of Buck Island Ranch and the Archbold Station. We will split into two groups. Buck Island Ranch can take up to 15 people for a buggy tour with a resident scientist. Up to 10 people can join Education Director Dustin Angell for a tour of Archbold Biological Station.

After the morning tours, we’ll regroup and enjoy a sack lunch outdoors at a beautiful location on the property.

In the afternoon, we will all be together at Archbold to enjoy a VIP Speaker Series featuring resident scientists who will bring their research projects to life for us. We’ll hear from Plant Ecologist Aaron David and Florida Scrub Jay researcher Tori Bakley. The speaker program will conclude around 3-4PM, leaving an hour or so for participants to explore the Nature Center and trails if they so choose.

Option to Arrive the Day Before

There may be accommodations available to us on site at Archbold Station. Further details will be provided to registrants who indicate an interest on the registration form. There are also hotels and restaurants in Lake Placid, about 8 miles away.

The Nature Center and trails at Archbold are open from 9AM-5PM Monday through Friday.

Cost

$40 per person. Half of our proceeds will be donated to the Archbold Biological Station.

Trip Capacity

We have space for 25 participants. This event is limited to Friends of Florida Master Naturalists members, who can each bring one additional guest.