Friends of the Fakahatchee (State Preserve) will hold their annual picnic Sunday from noon for members and guests.

On tap is a hotdog roast with live music, door prizes, and outdoor activities.

The picnic is free, but attendees are asked to bring meal contributions such as salads, desserts and sodas.

The Friends of Fakahatchee help by volunteering at the boardwalk on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), and fundraising for park improvement projects. They also pitch in to clear brush and culverts in the 80,000 acres within this unique environment.

To join the fraternity and sorority, visit the friendsoffakahatchee.org Web site, where membership is available using a credit card. Or, for more info and reservations, call Marya at 695-2905.

The Fakahatchee Strand is located in southwest Florida between I-75 (Alligator Alley) and U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) west of S.R. 29.

It is known for its wide variety of orchids, bromeliads, and rare animals such as the Florida panther and Everglades mink.

It came to prominence in Susan Orlean’s book “The Orchid Thief” about the mysterious ghost orchid.