If you’ve been paying attention to our Outdoor News Bulletin Board, you’ve noticed a massive increase in the number of events over the past few weeks. That can only mean the snowbirds are back in full force, which has its good and bad sides. But let’s focus on the good: There are more than 200 events currently listed in this magazine, most of which should have at least some appeal for those with an outdoors bent. If your interests are more specific, we probably have that covered, too. Camping? Kayaking? Birdwatching? Fishing tournaments? Beachcombing? Fossil hunting? Photography? Amateur botany? Hiking? Stargazing? All that stuff is in there, plus a whole bunch more.

Having so many outdoor recreation options is one of the big advantages in living someplace that people from all over the world want to visit. When you look through our listings, you’ll find events from Sarasota to Naples. I’ve had a couple people complain that Naples is too far to drive. All I can say is that if that’s how you feel, you’ve clearly never walked the boardwalk at Big Cypress or explored the Fakahatchee Strand. Yes, it’s a couple hours in the car, but there are people who flew in from Germany just to be there. If someone is willing to take a trans-Atlantic plane ride to check out the Everglades, maybe it’s worth a tank of gas to see one of the world’s most unique habitats.