Key West Art & Historical Society Offers Special, Discounted Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

 
 

Fort Jeff 1

This Saturday, November 15, Key West Art & Historical Society will partner with high-speed catamaran Yankee Freedom to offer a trip that every nature enthusiast ought to have on their bucket list.  

Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100-square mile park 70 miles west of Key West, is mostly open water with seven small islands accessible only by boat or seaplane.  Home to historic Fort Jefferson, it also offers vibrant coral reefs and marine life and a vast assortment of bird life that frequent the area. 

Passengers on that day’s trip can anticipate expert horticulturist Pat Tierney’s discussion on local flora and fauna of the islands.  He will also lead participants as they plant a Coconut Palm in the center courtyard of Fort Jefferson as a donation from the Society.  

Often called “The Tree of Life,”  the Cocos Nucifera Palm is highly valued as both a source of food and medicine by people from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races worldwide.  It has held a respected and valuable place in folk medicine for centuries, with modern medical science recently unlocking the secrets to coconut’s amazing healing powers.

Local favorite birding guide, photographer and writer Mark Hedden will identify birds and talk about the importance of the Dry Tortugas in their migratory and breeding habits.  An essential on the Great Florida Birding Trail, The Dry Tortugas islets are a major bird watching site for the hundreds of thousands of birders and an epic place to witness migrations.  

Members of The Society will receive a substantial $71 discount to the regularly priced $170 Yankee Freedom fare, with Yankee Freedom donating 10% of the sales from the trip to KWAHS.

Also included with the fare are breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment rental, and a fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort.  

To make reservations: Please call 305-294-7009 and identify yourself as a Society member.  Payment will be taken at time of reservation.  Members must show a valid membership card when checking-in their party on the 15th or the discounted fare will not apply.

For more information, visit KWAHS.ORG or DryTortugas.com.  Your museums. Your Community.  It takes an Island.