Why is the Everglades important?
Discover the wonders of the Florida Everglades, a vast and relatively untouched wilderness that is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Some writers and naturalists have called the Everglades the 8th wonder of the world. For most of us it is hard to grasp the significance of something that covers millions of acres and a significant part of Florida. Why is the Everglades important? We will try to answer that question also.
Books, movies and websites have made use of the Everglades as a backdrop for their content. Nothing compares to the mystique of untouched parts of our country.
From its unique and vastly diverse landscapes to its rare and endangered inhabitants, the Florida Everglades offers a truly unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Join us on our travels as we delve into the beauty and significance of this remarkable ecosystem.
Do you have Questions About the Everglades? Get the answers!
Discover the Unique Ecosystem of the Florida Everglades
The Florida Everglades is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that is unlike any other in the world. Its unique combination of freshwater and saltwater creates a diverse and thriving habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Even a century ago, people recognized this wonderful wild wilderness. Often the Everglades is referred to as a river of grass. That it what it appears to be if you are traveling along Alligator Alley. Casual observation doesn’t disclose the constantly moving world underneath the grass.
From the iconic American alligator to the elusive Florida panther, the Everglades is home to an incredible array of wildlife. We have explored the wonders of this remarkable ecosystem and have realized the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Viewing the tranquil waters of the Everglades are home to countless species of fish, turtles, and alligators, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Don’t be fooled! The Everglades can be harsh and unforgiving for man or beast who challenge one of Mother Nature’s wild creations.
With its rich biodiversity and protected habitats, the Everglades offers a unique opportunity to witness these incredible creatures, small and large, in their natural environment.
Encounter Rare and Endangered Species
The Florida Everglades is a haven for rare and endangered species, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Here, you have the opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of creatures that are on the brink of extinction.
From the elusive Florida panther to the endangered West Indian manatee, the Everglades provides a safe haven for these vulnerable species. As we embark on our travels into the wilderness and get up close and personal with some of the most remarkable creatures on the planet.
We must admit the one species that has eluded us and our camera is the Florida panther. We don’t want a close personal experience, just one at a safe distance within range of the lense.
While alligators are around every turn, many people are surprised that what may look like an alligator, on closer inspection can reveal that this prehistoric creature is really an American crocodile. They coexist with alligators mainly in brackish waters along the coast, although crocodiles have been seen in freshwater occasionally.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the sight of the colorful roseate spoonbill and the majestic snail kite, both of which are considered threatened species.
Why are the Everglades important? Without this diverse ecosystem, many of the creatures above may be gone.
Experience the Beauty of the Florida Everglades’ Landscapes
The landscapes of the Florida Everglades are truly awe-inspiring. From vast wetlands, prairies of grass, to dense mangrove forests, this unique ecosystem offers a diverse range of natural beauty.
As you explore the Everglades, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking vistas and stunning scenery. Whether you’re kayaking through the winding waterways or hiking along the trails, you’ll be immersed in the tranquility and serenity of this untouched wilderness. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Everglades’ landscapes firsthand.
One of the best ways to explore the Florida Everglades is at one of the many parks maintained by local, state and federal agencies. Some of them include:
- Everglades National Park – the largest of all the parks with over one million acres.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – operated by the National Audubon Society outside of Naples, Florida.
- Big Cypress National Preserve – federal preserve in the middle of the Florida Everglades.
- Collier-Seminole State Park – operated by the State of Florida along the Tamiami Trail east of Naples.
- Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuge – the largest mangrove forest in North America east of Marco Island, Florida.
These are just a few of the many parks in the Florida Everglades. Plan your trip in advance. Many of the parks in the Everglades offer camping, hiking, guided tours, kayaking and nature boardwalks.
Why Are The Everglades Important and Conservation Efforts
The Florida Everglades is not only a stunning natural wonder, but it is also a fragile ecosystem that requires conservation efforts to protect its unique biodiversity. The Everglades is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee.
Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving these species and their habitats. In fact, there are numerous ongoing preservation groups that provide education and resources to maintain this wonderful ecological treasure.
One group, the Everglades Coalition, is a combination of 57 related conservation entities. Florida Travel Blog applauds their work and any group that is involved with preservation of the Florida Everglades.
Why are the Everglades important? Without the Florida Everglades the are dozens of reptiles, animals and birds that would probably become totally extinct. The Everglades are an important estuary for hundreds of fish species. The Everglades provide critical moisture to more than two hundred type of trees and plants – with the water, the prairies could become deserts.
By learning about the importance of conservation efforts in the Everglades, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the need to protect this remarkable wilderness for current and future generations to enjoy.
Unsure about which road to take through the Everglades? Check out Tamiami Trail vs. Alligator Alley.
Embark on Exciting Outdoor Activities in the Everglades
The Florida Everglades offers a wide range of exciting outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From airboat tours that allow you to explore the vast wetlands and spot wildlife up close, to kayaking and canoeing through the peaceful waterways, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Hiking trails offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Everglades and discover hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a photographer, or simply someone who loves being in nature, the Everglades has endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.
Our favorite things to do in the Everglades are;
- Airboat Rides – along the Tamiami Trail and Alligator Alley you will find tour airboat operators. We prefer the ones that are in forested areas. Wooten’s near Ochopee has always served us and the people we recommend well. Map of Florida Everglades Wooten’s Airboats.
- Boardwalks – There are boardwalks at the parks and many of the rest areas along both the Tamiami Trail and Alligator Alley. We have two recommendations.
- One is at the Clyde Butcher Galleries at mile marker 54.5 along the Trail. This boardwalk is behind his must-visit art gallery.
- The other boardwalk is at the Kirby Storter Roadside Park at mile marker 62.5 on the Trail.
Each of these is slightly different. One is more forested and the other (Kirby) is more open wetlands.
- Loop Road Detour – we have chronicled our Loop Road adventures on several occasions. This is the rugged backroad of the Everglades. For nature lovers, it is a must see. Have your camera and “Swamp Angel” repellent ready along with a full tank of gas. Map of Florida Everglades and Loop Road.
There is complete detail on the Tamiami Trail and many attractions along the way.
These are just a few of the things to do in the Everglades. Many more activities at the major parks include kayak rentals, canoes, guided tours, jet ski tours and much more.
Everglades City and the Island of Chokoloskee offer charter boats, fishing guides and a few hotels. Each of these cities have less than 500 residents.
There are no major cities in the Everglades, just small communities most of which have e few dozen people. – no Walmart, Dollar Stores or McDonalds.
Here is information about Everglades City and the lodging, restaurants and shops offered in this rare little town in the Everglades.
Essentials for Your Journey Into Nature’s Paradise
While the Florida Everglades are a naturalist’s dream, aimlessly wandering through the major roads won’t give you any insight into this important ecosystem. Going unprepared may mean an unpleasant experience.
We recommend you;
- Plan ahead. Know the things you want to see and the level you want to delve into this fun wilderness.
- Bring Sunscreen. The Florida sun can be intense even in the winter months.
- Buy good quality insect repellent. There are various types of insects in the Everglades beyond mosquitoes. Many are species only found here.
- Bring Water. Yes there are places where potable water is available unless the rainy season or other inclement weather limits access.
- Wear suitable clothing. If your plans involve walking into the swamps and wetlands, dress appropriately. Long sleeves and long pants may be wise in some areas.
- Keep a camera ready. The best pictures and videos that come out of the Everglades are those that were unplanned and spontaneous.
- Stay safety minded. The Everglades are astonishing, but it’s not Disney World. There are things that want to sting you, bite you and eat you. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Finally, we recommend you do not travel across the Everglades at night. No, we aren’t worried about you, but there is more wildlife killed during the night by car when neither you nor the animal can see.
You Can’t Just Read About the Florida Everglades
Finally, we read about the Everglades for years. We only believed about half the stories about what a great experience this natural wonderland is. We were wrong! The glowing reports were true.
There is no possible way that a writer, despite their vast vocabulary, can express what the Florida Everglades looks like or feels like, nor can they describe the one-of-a-kind memories that only you can create on your journey.
Want to learn more about the Florida Everglades? Try the 100 Extraordinary Facts about the Everglades.
