Facts:
Cross the ancient waterways with a raft, trek the woods and camp out at night. These are just some of the few things you’ll get to do when in the Everglades. You may even get to visit the smallest post office in the US and then head down to their resto-bars and enjoy the freshest seafood, like deep sea fishes from the Gulf of Mexico, over cold beer. These are just some of the nice things you and your friends can do while in the Everglades. This staggering 1.5 million acre wetlands preserve in south Florida is home to an impressive number of wildlife and endangered species such as the leatherback turtle. And if you’re lucky, you may find yourself paddling alongside a West Indian manatee or witness the majestic ferocity of the Florida Panther. Most of the Everglades area are part of National Parks and are extensively preserved. As such, the mangrove estuaries, pine flatwoods and sawgrass marshes serve as a natural habitat for birds, small fishes, crabs and other marine life.
History:
The Everglades has seen a lot of history from the native tribes and the first white settlers in the 1800’s. But the marshlands around Everglades date back millennia and most of the trees in the forests are probably several hundred years old, at least. This is mainly the reason why the US National Park Service saw it fit to have this part of Florida preserved. Thus, parks such as the Everglades National Park came into existence. This happened because even at the beginning of the 20th century, there were already concerns aired about the diminishing resources of the United States. So, as early as 1923, naturalists already endorsed the Everglades to become one of the national parks. And by May 30, 1934 the Everglades National Park became authorized. Because of the park’s sheer size it covers several different terrains, all of which are cared for by the park’s administrators. There are freshwater sloughs where alligators thrive, hammocks which consists most of the dry land in the park, pinelands where nature trails are conducted and the cypress and mangrove coastline areas that are highly sensitive because they serve as nurseries for the birds and fishes that inhabit the region.
Tips:
- Airboat tours are a popular means of exploring the shallow marshes and the prairies. They offer quite the ride while having a local guide explain the immediate surroundings.
- Kayaking is recommended if you want to see the mangrove forests and the shallow coastal areas. There are kayak rentals that are available for tourists.
- There are more than 300 bird species that have been observed so far in Everglades. This is perfect for all the nature photographers who are looking for the perfect wildlife shot.
- There is a two-hour tram tour that will take you all over the Everglades for the people to see all the beautiful spots in the area.
- Fishing is also a favorite pastime of the people in the Everglades. However, you will need a state license before you can do this.
