“By allowing students to witness hands-on the ecosystems that can be found in one’s backyard, they will hopefully gain a larger appreciation for it, spreading the message of conservation to others,” said Obendorff. “The event supports the spreading of conservation because people can take pictures and show others that there is something to love about the Florida landscape, and that if people don’t stop to appreciate it, it won’t be saved.”
To participate, a potential partaker must make a reservation and place a fifty-dollar donation. All children under 18 are admitted free with one paid adult entry and a twenty-five dollar gift certificate is given to all participants to spend in the gallery, which is open to all ages.
All the proceeds of the event will go to the conservation of Butcher’s backyard and not larger organizations; by charging a fifty-dollar donation fee, the cost is appropriate for many people to afford.
“Had the fee been larger, less people would participate, meaning less people would learn the necessity of conservation,” explained Obendorff. “A quaint fee with larger masses and conserving a smaller region of the Cypress is most beneficial to the Butcher family and their purpose.”
A typical day during the Swamp Walk would involve checking in to a hostess, being assigned a tour guide, and choosing to participate in the actual walk (not all those who donate have to trek the actual swamp). Afterwards, picnic tables can be found and “a beautiful picnic in the Big Cypress can be enjoyed,” Obendorff. While food is not provided, everyone is encouraged to bring snacks for the one-hour or hour and a half long event.
A person’s visit concludes in the Big Cypress Gallery, where local artwork, as well as Clyde’s personal work is exhibited, ranging vastly from blown glass to videography to photography. During the event, Butcher will be at the gallery.
“This is special because he rarely comes to the gallery, so people can have a meet and greet with him and some of the others artists displayed in there,” Obendorff said.
Obendorff and her family alike feel the greatest benefit of the event, held now for the tenth year, is the response of the people, who ultimately find a greater bond with their state of Florida after experiencing the Big Cypress Swamp Walk.
In order to book a reservation, call (239) 695-2428 or visit www.clydebutcher.com. “The event will be held Saturday September 3rd to Monday September 5th, departing every hour on the hour in groups of 10-15,” explained John Shinault, the Big Cypress Gallery manager.
More information on specific details will be provided when a reservation is booked.
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