Presenting

23 refuge's Facebook page for information and visitors' updates on native wildlife. Former posts include a sighting (and video) of a bobcat kitten chasing a butterfly, reports of ghost orchid locations as well as tips for spotting swallow- tailed kites. Picayune Strand State Forest Tucked within the Big Cypress Swamp is a unique mosaic of cypress strands, wet prairies, pine flatwoods and subtropical hardwood hammocks that shelters several threatened and endangered species, including the Florida black bear, bald eagle and Florida panther. » I N T H E K N O W While the Picayune Strand welcomes horseback riders and the Sabal Palm Hiking Trail offers 3.2 miles of extraordinary birdwatching, most of the forest is under water during the wet season (typically May through October), so it is wise to check conditions before planning your trip. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge A labyrinth of winding channels through clusters of mangrove-covered islands can be found between Marco Island and Everglades City. This maze of shallow waterways is a dream for boating and paddling adventurers. On the land side, hit the Marsh Trail for a 2.4-mile round-trip hike with a bonus observation tower that provides a bird's- eye view of the surroundings. » I N T H E K N O W Smart anglers head to this tidal mangrove estuary for outstanding fishing conditions. Within the refuge you can reel in brag-worthy redfish, spotted seatrout, mangrove snapper and snook. Everglades National Park Astonishingly, the 1.5 million wetland acres of this park make up just one-fifth of the entire Everglades. The Gulf Coast Visitors Center in Everglades City—one of three official entrances to the park—is a popular spot for paddlers and boaters to explore the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway. Camping is available by permit on several of the islands within paddling distance of Everglades City. » I N T H E K N O W Hire an expert to take you fly fishing or spin casting for tarpon, snook, pompano and more. Local wilderness guides provide multi-day kayak camping expeditions from November through April. Sleep under a canopy of brilliant stars on your own secluded crescent of beach. Kayak to lovely Tiger Key for a camping trip like no other. A helpful paddling tip is to check currents by referencing the tide tables for the Barron River at Everglades City. Contact Everglades Area Tours for information about guided multi-day kayak camping expeditions. Explore three diverse areas of the Everglades in three distinct ways: Bike the 15-mile loop at Shark Valley, hike three miles of trail from the Oasis Visitor Center and paddle round-trip from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to Sandfly Island in the Ten Thousand Islands. Earn a decal and the coveted title of "Tamiami Trail Triathlon Finisher." Clam Pass Park's shaded boardwalk is the pathway to a delightful, Mediterranean-themed gem. Rhode's End Beach Bar at the Naples Grande Beach Resort offers an incomparable Gulf-front view and all the enchanting flavors of Greece with a menu of grilled octopus salad, lamb gyros, feta flatbreads and juicy burgers with tzatziki sauce. Toast the setting sun with one of their signature cocktails and call it a perfect day. If you overhear someone mention "the Green Flash" along Florida's Paradise Coast, it is likely that they're not talking about a new superhero. The Green Flash is an optical phenomenon that occurs just at the moment when the sun dips below the surface of the water as it sets. If conditions are right, you might be lucky enough to witness it...but it lasts for just a moment, so get your camera ready and keep your eyes on the horizon. LOCAL SECRE TS

• Cover