The Everglades

The Everglades National Park Location General Description History & Culture Highlights Visitor Information Interesting Facts Photographs

Location There is only one Everglades in the world, and it is located south of Florida. (To see the map click on the picture)

General Description Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The area boasts rare and endangered species, such as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. It has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, in recognition of its significance to all the people of the world. It contains over 2,000 different types of plants, alligator flag, pond cypress, slash pine etc.

History & Culture Though Everglades National Park is known for its stunning displays of wildlife, the area also boasts a rich and colorful past.  People have come here for centuries hoping to find riches, adventure and safe harbor. The town of Flamingo was established in 1893; Flamingo, still marking the end of the main park road, is now a park community with a campground, ranger station, marina and lodge. In 1928 landscape architect Ernest Coe (“The Father of the Everglades”) began a concentrated effort to designate a "Tropical Everglades National Park”.

Highlights At roughly 1.5 million acres in size, there seems no end to the adventures that can be found in Everglades National Park.  Your may find yourself spending a morning fishing the flats, spending an afternoon hiking among alligators, or spending an evening enjoying the warmth of your campfire.  The list below will provide you with some quick ideas about what there is to see and do in this amazing area.  Ranger-guided tours Fishing Camping Trails Canoeing Boating Water sports (and the list goes on…)

Visitor Information Entrance Fees Hours of Operation Everglades National Park Annual Pass - $25.00 Camping Fees at park campgrounds - $14.00 per night Private Vehicle - $10.00 Hours of Operation Everglades National Park is open 365 days a year. The park is located on the southern tip of Florida, and is accessible from different areas.  The main park entrance (in Homestead) is open 24 hours a day. The Shark Valley entrance is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park waters are open 24 hours a day Visitor Seasons The Everglades are a vast area of wilderness set admist the climactic extremes of the subtropics.  Visitors should be aware that the time of year they visit may have bearing on the services available.  During the busy dry season, most facilities are open and a full range of tours and programs are available to enjoy.  During the slow wet season, facilities may have restricted hours or close altogether, and recreational opportunities may be at a minimum. Contact information By Mail Everglades National Park 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034-6733 By Phone Visitor Information 305-242-7700 By Fax 305-242-7711

Interesting Facts Did you know? There are more insects in Everglades National Park than any other group of animals; in fact, 95% of all animal species on earth are insects. Take your time to explore the breathtaking world of butterflies, beetles, and bugs. The Everglades is not the proverbial swamp many people consider it to be. It is technically a river, flowing southwesterly at the slow rate of about a quarter mile per day. Everglades National Park hosts nearly 15,000 students every year on a variety of ranger-guided tours, e-field trips and special events. Everglades National Park protects the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. The wilderness area is named for Marjory Stoneman Douglas who was instrumental in creating the park.

Photographs

American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis

Great Egret, Ardea alba

View of the everglades

Immature Black-crowned Night-Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax

Crickey! Croc

Aerial View of the Everglades