| Everglades National Park | |
|---|---|
| Airboat tour through the Everglades | |
| Location | Florida, United States |
| Coordinates | 25.2866°N, 80.8987°W |
| Area | 1,508 sq mi (3,905 km²) |
| Established | December 6, 1947 |
| Visitors (latest) | 1.1 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Spanning over **1.5 million acres**, the park is a unique ecosystem of **sawgrass marshes**, **mangrove forests**, **coastal estuaries**, and **freshwater sloughs**.
Established on **December 6, 1947**, it is a **UNESCO World Heritage Site**, a **Wetland of International Importance**, and an **International Biosphere Reserve**.
Ecosystems and Terrain
The Everglades is often referred to as a “**River of Grass**,” slowly flowing southward from Lake Okeechobee toward Florida Bay.
Main habitats include:
- **Freshwater sloughs** and **marshes**
- **Mangrove and cypress forests**
- **Coastal prairies**
- **Marine estuaries**
Unique Wildlife
Everglades is home to a rich variety of species, many of which are endangered:
- **American alligator** and **American crocodile**
- **Florida panther**
- **West Indian manatee**
- Over **350 bird species**, including **roseate spoonbills**, **anhingas**, and **wood storks**
Popular Activities
- **Airboat tours** (outside park boundaries)
- Wildlife watching on trails and boardwalks
- Canoeing and kayaking through mangrove tunnels
- Biking the **Shark Valley Tram Road**
- Camping in frontcountry and backcountry areas
Notable Areas
- **Shark Valley** – popular for biking and wildlife viewing
- **Anhinga Trail** – excellent spot for birdwatching and gator sightings
- **Flamingo Visitor Center** – gateway to marine environments and backcountry
- **Ten Thousand Islands** – maze of mangrove islets, great for paddling
Environmental Challenges
- Threatened by **invasive species** (like Burmese pythons)
- Impacted by water diversion, urban development, and climate change
- Major **restoration efforts** are ongoing under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)
Fun Facts
- The only place in the world where **alligators and crocodiles coexist**
- The park protects **nine different ecosystems**
- A vital recharge area for South Florida’s **freshwater aquifer**