Join us on December 1, 2012, at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center as we celebrate the history and culture of South Florida for the second annual Swamp Heritage Festival. Learn about the history of this rugged, yet beautiful environment through park rangers, volunteers and a local expert will share swamp heritage through programs, activities, and interesting and thought-provoking presentations.

This FREE family-friendly event shines a spotlight upon the inhabitants of early south Florida, whose rugged strength and pioneering spirit contributed to the shaping of today's unique and diverse culture. Through living history demonstrations, informative presentations, and exhibits everyone can learn what daily life was like in such a remote, and at times, inhospitable place. These unique chapters in American history add to the rich and colorful tableau that comprises our shared past and present.

The Smithsonian exhibit called “Journey Stories” is now on display at the Clewiston Museum. This wonderfully illustrated exhibit captures the history and mobility of our nation.   

Butch Wilson

Clewiston Museum Director

Office 863-983-2870

clewistonmuseum@embarqmail.com

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hosting a fishing line and trash cleanup in Estero Bay State Aquatic Preserve from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29.

DEP is focusing on mangrove islands that function as bird nesting habitat. Boat transportation will be provided, according to DEP. Volunteers are asked to bring plenty of water, lunch and to wear clothing, which will get wet and dirty, and close-toed shoes. The group will leave from 700-1 Fisherman's Wharf on Fort Myers Beach.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling Cheryl Clark at 239-463-3240.

Discarded fishing lines can turn into deadly traps for marine wildlife and birds. Fishing lines (including monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided varieties) can take hundreds of years or more to decompose, and larger entanglements can kill repeatedly.