About the Florida National Parks Association

The Florida National Parks Association traces its roots to the Everglades Natural History Association, formed at Everglades National Park in 1951. In 1985, our scope of work was significantly expanded to include additional National Park Services responsibilities at Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Support
Funding

Since its inception in 1951, the Florida National Parks Association has provided more than 2.5 million dollars in aid to the National Park Service areas of South Florida.

Service

Today, more than 65 associations work throughout the nation and support the preservation of a widely diverse National Park System.

Non-Profit

The National Parks Association operates under Congressional authorities as an official private, non-profit partner.

Education

The National Parks Association supports educational, interpretive, historical and scientific research responsibilities within the parks.

Meet the Board

Since its inception in 1951, the Florida National Parks Association, formerly known as the Everglades Association, has provided more than 5.4 million dollars in aid to the National Park Service areas of South Florida.

Cooperating Associations are one of the oldest and most enduring partnerships of the National Park Service. Their beginnings may be traced to the 1920’s when park naturalists and historians saw the logic of partnering with private citizens to assist in gathering information about the parks and in educating the public about the parks. Your purchase helps benefit the parks and to further support their programs to increase public understanding of and support for their long term preservation and care.

Today, more than 65 associations work throughout the nation and support the preservation of a widely diverse National Park System.

The Florida National Parks Association traces its roots to the Everglades Natural History Association, formed at Everglades National Park in 1951. In 1985, our scope of work was significantly expanded to include additional National Park Services responsibilities at Big Cypress, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas.

These areas comprise more than 2.5 million acres and form a vital network in preserving the South Florida ecosystem. By supporting increased public understanding of these world renowned natural and cultural areas, the Florida National Parks Association also tangibly assists in raising public support for their long term preservation and care.

Contact the Board

Jessica Pierce

Executive Director

Saul Silverman

Board Chair

Stephen R. Shelley

Vice Chair

John Michael Lynn

Board Member

Mayor Otis Wallace

Board Member

Keith Simmons

Board Member

Robert L. Chaplin

Board Member

Richard Mullins

Board Member

Mayor Holly Merill Raschein

Board Member

Sandy Dayhoff

Board Member

Adam Mullins

Board Member

Willie Carpenter

Board Member

Eddie Garza

Board Member

Kevin Lewis

Board Member

Oliver Hart III

Board Member

Thomas R. Jones

Board Member

David Freundlich

Board Member

Joseph Kalbac

Board Member

Ana Meira

Board Member

Emeritus Board

James Accursio

Board Member

Patricia Huff

Board Member

Franklin Adams

Board Member

Lacey Hoover

Board Member

Bob Bromberg

Board Member

Dale Machesic

Board Member

Photo Credits

All the wonderful images you can find on the site have been donated by professional and amateur photographers striving to perfect their passion for picture-taking and Florida National Parks.

Some of them are:

If you love shooting pictures of wildlife and nature, join the Florida National Parks Association and you will have a good time sharing your passion for photography in the best natural enclaves of the state of Florida.

Join

A drip becomes a drop, so water displays the beautiful music of nature for those who want to listen.

Jim SuttonExecutive Director Florida National Parks Association