When you visit Everglades, keep your distance from the locals/NPS, R. Cammauf

South Florida’s balmy winter is the perfect time to visit Everglades National Park and starting next week the park will offer free, ranger-led programs for the public each week.

Spectacular opportunities abound to enjoy the great outdoors in your backyard. There are few mosquitoes, afternoon storms are gone and temperatures are cooler. Everglades National Park is just minutes away from Miami, Homestead, Naples and Key Largo, and whether you have one hour or a full week, the dry winter season is the best time to enjoy the many cultural and natural resources that make the park so special.

The free, ranger-led programs include guided walks, talks, bike rides, hikes, canoe trips, evening programs and more. In addition to these programs, the park’s concessioners also offer daily tram tours in the Shark Valley area of the park, and boat tours in the Flamingo and Gulf Coast areas (prices and times vary).

“A great way to enjoy your national parks is by getting out with the experts, and our ranger-led programs offer something for everyone,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos. “We invite everyone to Find Your Park right here in your backyard. As we kick off another exciting visitor season, we hope everyone will join the celebration of the National Park Service’s Centennial in 2016.”

Ranger-led programs will be offered daily this winter throughout the various locations of the park, including Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley and Gulf Coast. Schedules may change during the season so be sure to check the schedule before you come. Many programs are available. See the park website for a complete list of programs at this site.

Check in or call area visitor centers for current schedules and times. Some ranger-guided programs require reservations in advance. (Required reservations are specified in program schedules.)