Everglades National Park

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Everglades National Park
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IUCN category	II
Location	[[Florida, United States]]
Nearest city	[[Homestead, Florida]]
Area	1,508,976 acres (6,106.6 km²)
Established	December 6, 1947
Visitors
Governing body	[[National Park Service]]
Website	[ Everglades National Park]
This protected area related article is a stub.

Everglades National Park is a United States National Park located in the southern portion of the state of Florida. It is the largest tropical wilderness of any kind in the U.S., and is visited on average by one million people each year. The park was established in 1947 to protect the southern 20 percent of the original Everglades.

Geography

The Everglades is a network of wetlands and forests fed by a slow-moving river flowing out of Lake Okeechobee into Florida Bay. The park itself covers 1,508,976 acres (6,106.6 km²) and is the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States after Death Valley National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Ecosystem

The Everglades is a unique ecosystem characterized by its slow-moving waters, sawgrass marshes, and diverse wildlife. It is often referred to as a "river of grass" due to the slow flow of water through the sawgrass. The park is home to a variety of habitats, including freshwater sloughs, marl prairies, tropical hardwood hammocks, pinelands, cypress swamps, estuarine mangrove forests, and marine environments.

Flora

The park's flora includes a wide variety of plant species, such as sawgrass, cypress, mangroves, and tropical hardwoods. The diverse plant life supports a complex ecosystem that provides habitat for numerous animal species.

Fauna

Everglades National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including several endangered species. Notable animals include the American alligator, American crocodile, Florida panther, and the West Indian manatee. The park is also a critical habitat for many bird species, including the roseate spoonbill, great egret, and wood stork.

Hydrology

The hydrology of the Everglades is a critical component of its ecosystem. Water flow is primarily determined by the seasonal rainfall patterns, with the wet season occurring from May to November. The water levels in the park are crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem, supporting both plant and animal life.

Conservation

Everglades National Park was established to protect the unique ecosystem from the impacts of development and agriculture. Conservation efforts focus on restoring natural water flow, controlling invasive species, and protecting endangered species. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is a major initiative aimed at restoring the natural hydrology of the Everglades.

Human History

The area now known as Everglades National Park has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. The Calusa and Tequesta were among the earliest known inhabitants. In the 20th century, efforts to drain the Everglades for agriculture and development led to significant ecological changes, prompting the establishment of the park to preserve the remaining wilderness.

Also see

• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Biscayne National Park
• Florida Everglades
• Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan