CORAL GABLES, Fla. - s4story -- The Alliance for Florida's National Parks will host its annual Big Cypress Celebration on Oct. 10, 2026, at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve, and is inviting businesses and community partners to participate as event sponsors.

"Big Cypress Celebration is about connecting people directly with one of Florida's unique and most important ecosystems," said Lulu Vilas, CEO of The Alliance for Florida's National Parks. "Through events like this, we're able to support hands-on education programs and conservation efforts that ensure these places remain accessible and protected for future generations."

The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., combines adventure and learning and features a variety of hikes led by experienced guides. Participants of all ages can enjoy live music from Gator Nate, nature-based activities and more. This year, The Alliance is marking a special milestone: Big Cypress National Preserve turns 52 on Oct. 11, the day after Big Cypress Celebration.

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The Big Cypress Celebration serves as a key fundraising event for The Alliance, and proceeds directly support education, exploration, conservation and visitor engagement programs across Big Cypress National Preserve as well as Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks.

Sponsorship opportunities provide businesses with a chance to support environmental stewardship while engaging with a community of donors and park supporters who share a commitment to protecting South Florida's natural resources.

Funds raised through the event support long-standing education initiatives, including the Big Cypress education program, which has provided free field trips to Collier County sixth-grade students since 1999. These programs connect students with National Park Service rangers for science-focused field trips in the preserve's wetland, prairie and pineland environments.

Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $5,000 and include a variety of engagement opportunities, such as event tickets, on-site brand visibility, recognition in The Alliance's communications and participation in event activities. Additional sponsorship opportunities, including naming rights and year-round support, are also available.

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Contributions help expand access to programs like the Swamp Water And Me Program (S.W.A.M.P.), the Big Cypress education initiative that introduces students to conservation science and the importance of protecting Florida's national parklands.

Big Cypress Celebration will take place at Burns Lake Campground, located at 18495 Burns Road in Ochopee.

Since its founding, The Alliance for Florida's National Parks is the official philanthropic partner supporting Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Its fundraising events create meaningful opportunities for the public to experience the parks while contributing to the protection and enhancement of these vital natural spaces.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Vilas at lvilas@floridanationalparks.org. For more information about The Alliance, visit FloridaNationalParks.org.