Everglades National Park
| 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