Amenitites

In the current age of technology, many have realized that teaching and learning can often feel mundane. What is meant to enrich the mind and inspire passion ends up feeling like a burden. Repetitive routines often hinder the ability to absorb new information, which can be particularly dull for young learners. For this reason, educators are constantly in search of exciting, new ways to spice up their curriculum. Thankfully, school field trips to Billie Swamp Safari can easily provide the getaway experience so many have been trying to incorporate into the classroom. Experiential Natural Science School field trips are a vital part of any educational curriculum as they allow for freedom to get out of the classroom setting, experience something new, and above all, have a little fun. So, what happens if academic learning can be paired with the fun? Everyone wins! As such, school field trips at Billie Swamp Safari can

Whether you’re an adventurous world traveler or a local who likes to venture out, most don’t need a reason to explore the wonders of the Florida Everglades. A trip to the Everglades would not be complete without some knowledge base of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Located on Seminole Big Cypress Indian Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum helps thousands of visitors each year delve into the rich Seminole history and their Everglades home for the last 300 years. Not convinced? Here are five considerations to bring up at your next family dinner about what to do next weekend. Relax, Just Do It Chances are, if you’re in America, are part of the working force, or have a pulse, you can benefit from taking a vacation. A day trip to the museum can be the perfect way to unwind, reconnect with nature and appreciate life in the present. If you remain unconvinced, just

The Florida Everglades, rich in history, beauty and culture, are also home to some of the most magnificent creatures the North America has to offer; birds. As the only subtropical preserve in all of North America, the Everglades provides the most significant breeding grounds for tropical wading birds. Here, more than 350 different species of birds have been seen, including bitterns, storks, even endangered species like the ultra-rare Snail Kites. So, the next time you venture to the Florida Everglades, don’t forget to bring your binoculars, camera, sunscreen and bird field identification book. Role in Nature Ecologically, birds assist the environment in so many ways. Some birds aid in plant reproduction through pollination or seed dispersion, and others provide a host body for parasites. Birds naturally sustain population levels and serve as food after death, much like any other species. The most common rule of thumb in the Everglades is, the healthier

Millions of people flock to South Florida each year, a few more at this time of year. While the beaches and golf courses are fantastic, many come to the Everglades to see the majesty of a subtropical ecosystem in action. Everyone wants to see an alligator (or 10). Many people ask, “when is the best time of year to see the Everglades.” The Seminole guides at Billie Swamp Safari will tell you, “there is never a bad time to visit the Everglades!” You see, The Everglades are 734 square miles big and nature and wildlife are in full swing 365 days a year. Essentially the Everglades has two seasons, and both offer great opportunities to connect with nature (and see a few gators). Less Insects, More Animals The Everglades has a dry season and a wet season. The dry season is from December to April, where the water levels and temperatures drop

If you often find yourself daydreaming of what it would be like to quit your job, hop in an RV and spend the rest of your days exploring, sunbathing, and pike driving into tranquility, you’re not alone. Recreation vehicles are a multi-billion-dollar industry, raking in more than $50 billion in 2015. So many Americans are drawn to the alternative lifestyle, in fact, that more RV’s are manufactured in the United States than in the entire world combined, and with the facts all in, it’s easy to conclude why. But, if you need reasons, here are your top five: 1. Where You Go, it Goes Sometimes we love material items so much that we want to put them in our pocket and take them wherever we go. While RV’s won’t shrink on demand, they will be your travel companion wherever you venture out. Having a place to cook, eat and sleep comfortably every

The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Reservation is a well-established tourist destination located in the Florida Everglades. Each day we welcome visitors to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.  Everyday local Floridians and worldwide visitors make their way to the Seminole Big Cypress Reservation for the opportunity to break away from everyday life and experience a slice of Seminole life. Here are the top four reasons why visitors come on a regular basis. Learn Seminole History There is no better place to learn then at a museum!  The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s goal is to foster an understanding and appreciation of the Seminole Tribe. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is home to more than 180,000 unique artifacts, archival items and experiences. Come and learn about the Seminole people and their rich cultural and historical ties to the Southeast United States and Florida. Find out why the Seminoles are the only tribe in America to be unconquered. The Museum features

When visitors come to the Florida Everglades they are sure to see all kinds of local wildlife. From butterflies to alligators, our guests should expect to encounter a few of the famous local wildlife that everyone has seen on the National Geographic channel It’s all part of the Florida Everglades adventure experience! Our Everglades wildlife needs room to move. It’s best to bring a pair of binoculars to get close to animals in their natural habitat. All our wildlife needs space to retreat if necessary. Most importantly, never, ever chase an animal! Recognize the signs of alarm: Wild animals are just that… wild. Increased movements such as flapping, pacing, tense muscle movement, staring, or vocalization may mean you are too close. If you feel like an animal is disturbed, back away. Enjoy animals in their natural environs and try not to disturb their natural movements. Remember, Everglades visitors are just that,

Many exciting changes are underway at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum! In addition to our new THPO office building and our Museum re-design, we are also going green. Very green! Upgrading to Green We are doing our part to help conserve the world’s resources. We have eliminated the use of paper plates, plastic silverware, paper cups, and regular cleaning products, and changed to LED lighting, automatic flush toilets, and more. Staff members have been issued water bottles for daily, reusable use. Water coolers, water bottle fillers, and water fountains have been installed and strategically located throughout our facilities to serve both our staff and our visitors. We have set up a composter to “feed” our garden, which we plant several times a year with the help of the Boys and Girls Club afterschool program. Traditional crops are planted which we hope one day will be large enough in volume to help with the nutritional needs of

It is no secret that the world’s population of retirees has sharply increased with the Baby Boomer generation. It's a fact, and this surge comes at a time when the economy is moving, investments are growing again, and retirees feel somewhat safe. In short, it’s a good time to do something you’ve always wanted to do! It can also be a scary time for some reaching their senior years because of the rising cost of just maintaining a home let alone paying taxes, utilities, and being an empty nester. More and more, those from this generation are opting to go mortgage-free (or low) and enjoy RV living on the open road. Baby Boomers This name for this generation was given to the population group of Americans born between the years of 1946 and 1965. Post-war optimism, a favorable economy, and a housing boom during this era had much to do with the rise in family

The Florida Everglades is extraordinary feat of nature! Once you come here, it’s easy to see why people come from all over the world to take a journey through the wetlands. With unique vegetation and fantastic wildlife, the Everglades must be seen up close, and in person. But with as much attention as the ecosystem has been getting lately, there’s still much to learn about its contribution to South Florida and the people that live here.