MNN - Mother Nature Network

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL — Oct. 21, 2010 — The Everglades Trail has a new site for drivers to stop at and learn about the Everglades ecosystem: The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. The new site will be announced officially at a special ceremony Nov. 5, kicking off the 13th Annual American Indian Arts Celebration weekend at the museum in Big Cypress.

 

The Everglades Trail, launched nearly 10 years ago, is a driving trail that connects the places where people can have authentic experiences with the nature and culture of the Everglades.

 

The Seminole Tribe’s museum will be the 21st site in the 21st century. Tribal leaders and representatives of the Everglades Trail Association will be on stage for the opening of the trail kiosk. There also will be a music performance by a contributor to the companion Everglades Trail CD. The interactive CD, sold in gift shops along the trail and on Amazon.com, includes exclusive Jimmy Buffet songs and stories narrated by Charles Osgood about the plants, animals and mysterious waterways that make up this international treasure.

 

Each of the 21 sites along the trail has a special kiosk with a green roof to distinguish it from other signage at the parks and refuges. Each kiosk holds three panels that explain the trail, the Everglades system and the role the specific site plays in the system.

 

The Nature Conservancy, an international nonprofit environmental group; Wilderness Graphics, a Tallahassee custom exhibit firm; and former Sen. Bob Graham joined 10 years ago to launch the trail as a way to allow Floridians to learn about the Everglades – and ultimately care about its restoration. For additional information and links to the sites visit www.evergladestrail.com.