Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center - Opening Celebration 2010

Big Cypress National Preserve and The South Florida National Parks Trust were host to an incredible event on March 20, 2010 in the heart of the Big Cypress Swamp.  A large group of folks came to celebrate the dreams, the hard work, the efforts, the partnerships, the arts and friendships in celebration of this building - one of a kind - Welcome Center in the Big Cypress Swamp.   Below are a collection of images from the event.

Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve gives a welcome to the group of contributors inside the new media center.

Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Parks talks about the National Parks to the audience.

Carlos Arazoza, Chairman of the Board for South Florida National Parks Trust addresses the audience followed by the presentation of awards by Trust members Patrick White and Howard Isaacson.

Ribbon cutting at the entry of the Welcome Center.

Opening the doors - ready for visitors.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Commissioner Ron Bergeron talking to Don Frinefrock.

Speeches, more awards, recognition under the big tent and another ribbon cutting for the Welcome Center.

Presentation by Miccosukee Chairman Colley Billie

Presentation by Nathaniel Reed

Presentation by NPS Director Jon Jarvis

Ribbon Cutting in the big tent.

Before the events was great time to meet new and old friends.

Clyde Butcher, Jon Jarvis, Pedro Ramis, Elam Stoltzfus, Diana McGee

Carlos Arazoza and Don Frinefrock

Wayne Rassner

Elam Stoltzfus