A complimentary shuttle provided by the hotel will be provided from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to the hotel. Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m
Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table [in the lobby, on a specific floor, outside the meeting room, wherever it may be] to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, Bird Quiz, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Unless otherwise specified, the Group Leader will lead all lectures, field trips and birding exercises. Transportation will be provided by passenger vans unless otherwise noted. As wildlife is unpredictable, changes in times and locations may occur, even at last minute. A final itinerary will be distributed at the last minute. Each evening, we will review the bird sightings of the day as a group and assess the plans for the following day. Meals at restaurants will be plated and served dishes featuring regional specialties with soft drinks, coffee, tea and water included unless otherwise noted. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
We’ll drive to a favorite local restaurant for a plated meal featuring regional dishes with coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.
At the hotel, we’ll watch a brilliant documentary film about Big Cypress National Preserve in the Western Everglades, one of America’s national treasures. Also known as Big Cypress Swamp, this was the first national preserve to be established in America and it protects over 729,000 acres of swampland containing vast arrays of plant and animal life. Our viewing will be followed by a group discussion facilitated by our Group Leader. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the full day ahead.