Everglades National Park

Florida

Everglades National Park is one of the most well-known national parks in the United States, located in southern Florida. Here are some key details about Everglades National Park:

• Location: The park spans across the southern tip of Florida, covering an area of about 1.5 million acres.
• Ecosystem: Everglades National Park is renowned for its unique and diverse ecosystem. It consists of sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps, mangrove forests, and a network of slow-moving rivers. The “River of Grass” is a term often used to describe the park’s expansive sawgrass marshes.
• Wildlife: The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, Florida panthers, various species of birds, and a multitude of fish. It is a crucial habitat for many endangered and threatened species.
• Activities: Visitors to Everglades National Park can engage in a range of activities, such as hiking, bird watching, boating, camping, and ranger-led programs. Airboat tours are popular for exploring the park’s waterways.
• Conservation: The park plays a vital role in the conservation of the Everglades ecosystem, which has faced threats from factors like urban development, agriculture, and changes in water flow. Efforts are ongoing to restore and preserve the unique natural features of the area.
• Visitor Centers: Everglades National Park has several visitor centers, including the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Shark Valley Visitor Center, and Gulf Coast Visitor Center, where visitors can obtain information, maps, and participate in educational programs.

The park was established in 1947 to protect the unique ecosystems of the Everglades and promote environmental conservation. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the delicate environment.