The Everglades is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including over 360 bird species, 50 reptile species, and numerous mammals. Iconic species include the endangered Florida panther, American alligator, American crocodile (the only place where both species naturally coexist), West Indian manatee, and various wading birds like roseate spoonbills and wood storks. The park serves as crucial habitat for many endangered species and represents the largest breeding ground for wading birds in North America.
The Everglades hosts an incredible diversity of plant life adapted to its unique conditions. Sawgrass marshes dominate the landscape, while mangrove forests line the coastal areas. Hardwood hammocks feature tropical and temperate trees like mahogany and gumbo limbo, creating islands of forest in the marsh. The park also contains extensive cypress swamps, pine rocklands, and periphyton mats. Many rare orchids and ferns thrive in this environment, including the endangered Florida royal palm and ghost orchid.
The Everglades sits atop a bedrock of porous limestone formed from ancient marine deposits, creating a vast, shallow basin that slopes gently southward. This unique geological formation allows for the slow movement of water known as the 'River of Grass.' The region's distinctive landscape includes elevated limestone outcrops called hammocks, solution holes, and extensive marl prairies. The interaction between limestone, fresh water, and organic matter has created various soil types, including peat and marl, which support diverse ecological communities.
The Everglades has been home to various indigenous peoples for millennia, including the Calusa, Tequesta, and Seminole tribes. European colonization and subsequent development in the 20th century led to extensive drainage projects that threatened the ecosystem. Recognition of the area's ecological importance resulted in its designation as a National Park in 1947, making it the first national park established specifically to protect a fragile ecosystem. The park has since been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance.
Key attractions include the Anhinga Trail, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities; the historic Nike Missile Site from the Cold War era; and the scenic Shark Valley observation tower providing panoramic views of the River of Grass. The park features extensive waterways perfect for kayaking and canoeing, including the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway. Visitors can also explore the unique Pine Island trails, experience airboat tours in designated areas, and visit the Gulf Coast Visitor Center for access to the Ten Thousand Islands region.
The Everglades experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season (May to November) characterized by high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and temperatures around 90°F (32°C), and a dry season (December to April) with mild temperatures around 77°F (25°C) and lower humidity. This seasonal pattern is crucial for the ecosystem's health, creating a unique rhythm of water flow that sustains the region's diverse wildlife and vegetation. Visitors should note that hurricane season runs from June through November, and summer months bring mosquitoes and high heat indices.
USA
25.2860°, -80.8980°
December 6, 1947
6106.5
The Everglades is a vast wetland ecosystem that covers much of southern Florida. The park protects an unparalleled landscape of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks. It is home to endangered species such as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and manatee.