What to Do in Florida: Ghost Orchid Walks
Scattered across the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park’s 85,000 acres, there are 315 tiny orchids called Ghost Orchids and they are of interest to an awful lot of people right now due to the popularity of the book “The Orchid Thief” and the movie “Adaptation”. In fact, they have bolstered the tourism for this swamp in southwest Florida.
The preserve has seen many orchid thefts, but park biologists continue to lead groups of enthusiasts on fascinating four-hour swamp walks around the preserve where more species of orchids and bromeliads grow wild than anywhere else in the country. Some species have never even made it out of the swamp and remain unique to the area.
Prepare to also see snakes and gators, walk through deep water, endangered plants, various orchids and bromeliads, and maybe even a stunning Ghost Orchid blooming is what will look like mid-air.
While Ghost orchids are rare enough that actually spotting one during the walks can be rare at times, the orchids are easier to find during Florida’s November to April dry season. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to sundown and admission is free. The Swap Walks, however, are only offered on the first, second and third Saturdays of the month from November through April, and even then it depends on the water levels. It costs $40 per adult and $15 for those under age 12. (You can call 239.695.2860 for more info).
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