Members of the Marjory’s Circle donor program and other Friends of the Everglades supporters and staff slowly make their way to the Kitching Creek Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
A mockingbird takes in views of the Loxahatchee River as Friends of the Everglades supporters meditate below during a nature immersion at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
A group of Friends of the Everglades supporters explore Kitching Creek Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
Marjory’s Circle member Nic Mader shares her observations with a group of Friends of the Everglades participating in a nature immersion at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
A Red-bellied woodpecker picks at a pine tree as Friends of the Everglades supporters meditate below during a nature immersion at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
Hazel Kniffin, 9, explores the pine flatwoods of Jonathan Dickinson State Park during a nature immersion for Friends of the Everglades supporters on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
Tim and Diane Kimes (right), meditate during a nature immersion led by certified forest therapy guide Kelly Bruce (not pictured) for Friends of the Everglades supporters at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
Certified forest therapy guide Kelly Bruce serves a tea blend she created out of slash pine, hibiscus and elderberry at the end of a nature immersion for Friends of the Everglades supporters at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
Hazel Kniffin, 9, gives a ride to a young Eastern lubber grasshopper during a nature immersion for Friends of the Everglades supporters at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
A pale Red-shouldered hawk lands on the branch of a pine tree after crossing over a circle of Friends of the Everglades supporters during a nature immersion at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
A honeybee pollinates on a shiny blueberry shrub along the Kitching Creek Trail at at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
Friends of the Everglades Executive Director Eve Samples welcomes supporters to a nature immersion led by Kelly Bruce at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on March 1, 2025. (LEAH VOSS/FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES)
Turning our attention to nature’s gifts
Birdsong filled the air on a sunny South Florida morning in the pine flatwoods of Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
A group of dedicated Friends of the Everglades supporters — an intimate gathering of Marjory’s Circle members, other supporters and our staff — joined together for a nature immersion led by certified forest therapy guide Kelly Bruce in what’s becoming an annual tradition.
As we descended into calm during the guided meditation, the flight of a Red-shouldered hawk above our circle
felt like an invitation from Mother Nature to transition into a serene state. Simultaneously, Red-bellied woodpeckers picked at the pines, but it wasn’t bothersome — rather, a reminder that nature’s noisiness can assist in relaxation.
Solo and silently, weleisurely strolled the trail, focusing our attention on the micro details inside the woods, finding insects and plants that are only noticed when one slows down.
Along the way, we stopped to gather together again and share our observations, learning a few new things from each other.
Collectively, we couldn’t imagine this wonderland being destroyed for another golf course — as was proposed last year — and made vows to continue protecting Florida’s state parks.
We ended the experience with a tea ceremony — enjoying a blend of slash pine, hibiscus and elderberry crafted by Kelly — and expressed our appreciation for sharing these moments together. It felt good to be with a group of others who delight in nature’s gifts. We hope you’ll join us next time.
Want to be invited to the next exclusive event in nature? Join Marjory’s Circle, a special donor program composed of those exceptional Friends whose choice to support the work of Friends of the Everglades reflects their own commitment to environmental stewardship.
