FLORIDA NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION INC

Since 1951, the Florida National Parks Association (aka Everglades Association) has helped provide information at the visitor centers and has operated the park stores at all four of south Florida's national parks. All park store items are approved by NPS and include important educational messages or help visitors to explore the park safely. Proceeds from the park stores are donated back to the parks to fund education, interpretation, historical and scientific programs. Recently, the Association is expanding services both to the parks and park visitors by creating Institutes. The Institutes offer programs and tours to visitors and opportunities for park rangers to lead these tours or offer special programs. The Institute at Biscayne National Park as operated for over a year and has already created memorable and unique experiences for 23,000 visitors. The Institute at Big Cypress National Preserve is just getting started and we need lots of help from volunteers to help get the facilities ready!