Hobbyist Photographers- Sunset Sunflowers at Pepper Ranch Preserve

6315 Pepper Road,Immokalee FL 34142

05 October, 2022

Description

Pepper Ranch Preserve Address: 6315 Pepper Road, Immokalee, FL Join Conservation Collier staff for a private, free event geared toward hobbyist photographers and photography lovers to capture shots of the annual wild sunflower bloom as the sun sets across the ranch. Each year for a few short weeks the pastures of the ranch transform into a sea of gold as native Southeastern Sunflowers reach full bloom. Ranchland, cabbage palm forests, cypress strands, and pine flatwoods make up the backdrop of these views along with the preserve cattle herd, wading birds, deer, turkey, and more. Participants will meet at the Visitor Center at 5:30pm. Bathrooms will be available while check-in takes place. From there we will travel along an unpaved, limerock wildlife drive to the fields. Photographers can spread out, move around and find their muse. We will load up and check out of the preserve by 8pm. Bring your own water and snacks and dress for mosquitos/wet feet/ sunny conditions before sunset. Long pants and light long sleeves highly recommended. Footwear that you don't mind getting wet or dirty also recommended. Photography considerations: The sunflowers are a native wildflower which provide food for wildlife and are protected on the preserve. No collecting of the flowers, damaging or impacting the fields with photography related equipment allowed. These sunflowers grow in flooded fields, step off the road and you will have wet ankles!The best photo spots are spread out and there are different perspectives all around. Plan to move around either on foot or in your vehicle to find your perfect shotsThis is a sunset event with low light conditions for half of the eventSunflower fields are great for macro photography as well as wide-angle sweeping views of the landscapeSharp plants like thistle and wildlife like large spiders, fire ants, and snakes all occur in the same habitat as the sunflowersDrones not permitted on the nature preserve*Photographs are one of our best tools for garnering support for conservation, wildlife habitat protection, environmental education, and preserve engagement. Please consider sharing a copy of your photos taken during this event with the Conservation Collier Program. Your photo will retain attribution of the artist and may be utilized by program staff to enhance graphics on the preserve website, brochures, public presentations, preserve signs, and social media posts related to conservation and environmental education* We will provide a link to a google drive and a photo release to anyone interested in sharing their photos from the event for use to enhance our conservation message. Questions? Email: [email protected] or call 239-252-2961