Everglades National Park: Difference between revisions

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[[File:NPS_everglades-map.jpg|thumb|NPS_everglades-map]] [[file:Everglades_Natl_Park_Alligator.jpg|right|thumb|Everglades_Natl_Park_Alligator]] [[file:Everglades_-_Blue_Heron.jpg|right|thumb|Everglades_-_Blue_Heron]] [[file:Florida_Panther_(1),_NPSPhoto,_Rodney_Cammauf_(9255082055).jpg|thumb|Florida_Panther_(1),_NPSPhoto,_Rodney_Cammauf_(9255082055)]] [[file:South_Florida_rocklands_on_Everglades_National_Park_Long_Pine_Key_Nature_Trail.jpg|thumb|South_Florida_rocklands_on_Everglades_National_Park_Long_Pine_Key_Nature_Trail]] [[file:Cypres_dome_with_Alligator,_NPSphoto,_G.Gardner_(9101883836).jpg|thumb|Cypres_dome_with_Alligator,_NPSphoto,_G.Gardner_(9101883836)]] [[file:Manatee_1670_EVER,_NPSPhoto,_Nov_76_(9257870564).jpg|thumb|Manatee_1670_EVER,_NPSPhoto,_Nov_76_(9257870564)]] {{short description|National park in Florida, United States}}
[[File:NPS everglades-map.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Everglades Natl Park Alligator.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Everglades - Blue Heron.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Florida Panther (1), NPSPhoto, Rodney Cammauf (9255082055).jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Everglades National Park
| name = Everglades National Park
| iucn_category = II
| iucn_category = II
| photo = Everglades National Park map.jpg
| photo =  
| photo_caption = Map of Everglades National Park
| photo_caption =  
| location = [[Miami-Dade County, Florida|Miami-Dade]], [[Monroe County, Florida|Monroe]], and [[Collier County, Florida|Collier]] counties, [[Florida]], [[United States]]
| location = [[Florida]], [[United States]]
| nearest_city = [[Homestead, Florida|Homestead]]
| nearest_city = [[Homestead, Florida]]
| area_acre = 1508538
| area = 1,508,976 acres (6,106.6 km²)
| established = December 6, 1947
| established = December 6, 1947
| visitation_num = 597,124
| visitation_num = 1,118,300
| visitation_year = 2018
| visitation_year = 2019
| governing_body = [[National Park Service]]
| governing_body = [[National Park Service]]
| world_heritage_site = 1979
| website = [https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm Everglades National Park]
}}
}}


'''Everglades National Park''' is a [[United States National Park]] that protects the southern 20 percent of the original [[Everglades]] in [[Florida]]. The park is the largest tropical wilderness of any kind in the U.S., and it is visited on average by one million people each year. Everglades is the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States after [[Death Valley National Park]] and [[Yellowstone National Park]]. It has been designated a [[World Heritage Site]], a [[Wetland of International Importance]], and an [[International Biosphere Reserve]].
'''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.


== History ==
== Geography ==
The area now known as Everglades National Park has been inhabited for thousands of years by various [[Native American tribes in Florida|Native American tribes]], including the [[Calusa]] and [[Tequesta]]. The park was established on December 6, 1947, to protect the rapidly vanishing Everglades ecosystem. [[Marjory Stoneman Douglas]], an environmentalist and author, played a significant role in the park's creation with her book "The Everglades: River of Grass."
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]].


== Geography ==
== Ecosystem ==
Everglades National Park covers 1,508,538 acres (6,106.6 km²) across three counties in Florida. The park is characterized by its unique [[wetland]] ecosystem, which includes [[sawgrass marshes]], [[mangrove]] forests, and [[cypress]] swamps. The [[Florida Bay]] and the [[Ten Thousand Islands]] are also part of the park.
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.


== Flora and Fauna ==
=== Fauna ===
The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Notable flora includes the [[sawgrass]], [[mangrove]], and various species of [[orchids]]. The fauna includes the [[American alligator]], [[American crocodile]], [[Florida panther]], and the [[West Indian manatee]]. The park is also a critical habitat for numerous bird species, including the [[roseate spoonbill]], [[wood stork]], and various species of [[herons]] and [[egrets]].
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]].


== Climate ==
== Hydrology ==
The Everglades has a tropical monsoon climate, with a distinct wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The park is prone to [[hurricanes]] and tropical storms, which can significantly impact the ecosystem.
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 ==
== Conservation ==
Everglades National Park faces numerous environmental challenges, including [[water pollution]], [[invasive species]], and the effects of [[climate change]]. Efforts are ongoing to restore the natural flow of water through the Everglades, primarily through the [[Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan]] (CERP).
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.


== Visitor Activities ==
== Human History ==
Visitors to Everglades National Park can engage in a variety of activities, including [[hiking]], [[canoeing]], [[kayaking]], and [[bird watching]]. The park offers several visitor centers, including the [[Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center]] and the [[Flamingo Visitor Center]], which provide educational exhibits and information about the park.
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.


== Related Pages ==
== Also see ==
* [[National Park Service]]
* [[Big Cypress National Preserve]]
* [[List of national parks of the United States]]
* [[Dry Tortugas National Park]]
* [[Biscayne National Park]]
* [[Florida Everglades]]
* [[Florida Everglades]]
* [[Marjory Stoneman Douglas]]
* [[Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan]]
* [[Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan]]


== References ==
{{National parks of the United States}}
{{Reflist}}
{{World Heritage Sites in the United States}}


== External Links ==
{{Commons category|Everglades National Park}}
{{Wikivoyage|Everglades National Park}}
[[Category:Everglades National Park]]
[[Category:National parks in Florida]]
[[Category:National parks in Florida]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in the United States]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in the United States]]
[[Category:Wetlands of Florida]]
[[Category:Everglades]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1947]]
[[Category:International Biosphere Reserves in the United States]]
[[Category:Miami-Dade County, Florida]]
[[Category:Monroe County, Florida]]
[[Category:Collier County, Florida]]
[[Category:1947 establishments in Florida]]
 
{{USNationalParks}}
{{Florida-geo-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:51, 9 December 2024

class="infobox" style="width: 22em; font-size: 90%;"
Everglades National Park
[[File:|250px]]
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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]