The annual meeting of the Everglades Coalition, which works for the health of the ecosystem that includes Everglades National Park, is set for early next month.

The conference, the 24th annual, will be held January 8-11 in Miami at the Hilton Miami Downtown. The theme of the conference is Everglades Restoration: New Challenges, New Opportunities.

Open to the public and hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association, the conference will discuss the opportunities and challenges in 2009 to restore the Everglades ecosystem. Topics include growth management, political/public partnerships, endangered/invasive species, wildlife habitat, energy policies, water quality and flow plans. Speakers include former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham, state Senate President Jeff Attwater, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

The conference opens with a reception on January 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. Cost for attendance is $190 for four days, $110 for one day registration. That covers your receptions, breaks, plenary and breakout sessions and conference materials.

This year’s conference is between two national parks – Biscayne and Everglades – to spotlight their tremendous resources for all Americans and for great field trip opportunities on Sunday January 11th: Everglades National Park Shark Valley Tram Tour; Biscayne National Park Boat Tour; and Key Biscayne Kayak Adventure; (Editor: Please see attached conference program for details)

You can find registration forms at this site. For registration information, fees, and hotel information, contact Sara Fain, National Parks Conservation Association at 305-546-6689.