Join the Celebration of Nature, Culture and Everglades Conservation This Weekend at the Miccosukee Tribe’s Free Annual Festival.

September 25th, 2025

Florida is known for its beaches, theme parks, and sunshine, but beneath the surface lies one of North America’s most unique ecosystems: the Everglades. This sprawling “River of Grass” is home to incredible wildlife and is central to the culture and history of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Emmy-winning conservationist Jeff Corwin has partnered with the Tribe to bring the Everglades’ wonders and challenges to a national audience through Wildlife Nation with Jeff Corwin: Expedition Florida. The series airs Saturday mornings on ABC television stations (check local listings).

A Legacy of Stewardship
For centuries, the Mikasuki-speaking Miccosukee Tribe has called the Everglades home. Lucas K. Osceola, the Tribe’s Assistant Chairman, explains, “This has been our home, our sanctuary land, for many generations. The Everglades protected us, and now it’s our responsibility to protect it, not just for us, but for all of humanity and future generations.”

This connection to the land drives every aspect of the Tribe’s conservation efforts, combining traditional knowledge with modern science. From managing forests to protecting endangered species, the Miccosukee demonstrate that stewardship isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a way of life.

Adventure and Conservation on Screen
Corwin has spent over four decades in conservation and three in television, and his experiences have taken him around the globe. Yet, he says working with the Miccosukee has been transformative. “Florida is the poster child for incredible environmental challenges and opportunities. From manatees to coral reefs, from red-cockaded woodpeckers to indigo snakes, it can feel overwhelming, but seeing how the Miccosukee have adapted and become excellent stewards of their backyard is inspiring,” he explains.

The series highlights these efforts with a mix of adventure, science, and storytelling. “Under the fun of exploration, it’s a wake-up call. This is their home, there’s no backup plan, and they’re in a battle to save it. Everyone benefits when they succeed,” he adds.

Lessons from the Wild
The Everglades has a way of teaching lessons, sometimes in unexpected ways. Corwin recounts a recent encounter with a bird injured by hooks and torn muscle. After carefully rescuing it, he helped it recover and released it back into the wild. “Sometimes animals can teach you to be a better person. Helping this animal reminded me of interconnectedness and compassion, qualities we often forget,” he says.

Osceola echoes the sentiment. “I grew up jumping in canals, walking in the woods, watching bobcats care for their young. To me, these creatures aren’t just animals, they’re neighbors. Protecting them is part of protecting our home and our culture.”

Corwin also reflects on the lessons of patience and observation. “Working with nesting leatherback sea turtles, waiting on the beach for them to appear, teaches you humility. Nature has its own timeline. That unpredictability keeps you alert, constantly learning, and deeply connected to the environment.”

Adventure in Your Own Backyard
One of the most exciting revelations from the series is that adventure doesn’t require a passport. “You don’t have to fly to Africa for a safari. You can swim with manatees, take an airboat ride, explore the wilderness, all right here in Florida,” Corwin explains.

The Miccosukee Tribe extends this invitation through their American Indian Day Festival at the historical Miccosukee Indian Village. Osceola shares, “Guests can hop on airboats, enjoy kids’ activities, see performances, and taste our food, including roasted gator, garfish, and pumpkin fry bread. It’s a way to experience the Everglades and our culture that’s fun, educational, and unforgettable.”

Corwin adds, “These open houses are magical. You see baskets being woven, carvings coming to life, and dishes made from ingredients found in the Everglades. It’s storytelling through food, craft, and nature all at once.”

Balancing Culture and Modern Life
Living in the Everglades is not without its challenges. Osceola explains, “This terrain is rough, but it’s home. We always put the environment first, balancing modern comforts with stewardship, and that mindset has shaped our community for generations.”

Corwin admires the Tribe’s resilience. “They’ve built a thriving community in one of the planet’s toughest ecosystems. That requires determination, creativity, and commitment. It’s a lesson for all of us.”

Sharing the Magic
The Miccosukee are not only conserving the Everglades but also sharing their stories and traditions with the world. Osceola notes, “I want everyone to feel the magic we see every day. The bird populations in March, the beauty of the water, the connection to nature—it’s something everyone can enjoy and learn from.”

Corwin emphasizes that these stories are a bridge between people and the environment. “Everything in Florida is connected. What happens in the Everglades affects coral reefs, wildlife, and human communities. Sharing this story is about inspiring action, awareness, and appreciation for the natural world right in our own backyard.”

The Heart of the Everglades
Ultimately, the Everglades are more than a habitat, they’re a living legacy. Corwin reflects, “The River of Grass teaches us that everything is connected. Protecting this place isn’t just about wildlife, it’s about people, culture, and the future. The Miccosukee show us that with dedication, knowledge, and a little adventure, conservation is something everyone can participate in.”

From thrilling airboat rides to pumpkin fry bread that could require elastic bands for your pants, the Everglades come alive in ways both wild and human. Thanks to Corwin and Osceola, along with the Miccosukee Tribe, the magic, culture, and conservation of this landscape are finally getting the attention they deserve, proving that adventure, education, and stewardship can coexist in extraordinary ways.