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Everglades national park: SOUTH FLORIDA. SHANNA M. MCCROSSEN. History. The Everglades was established in 1947 to conserve natural landscape and prevent further degradation of its land, plants and animals. It is a span of 1.5 million acres on Florida Bay, which surrounds the Florida Keys.
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Everglades national park: SOUTH FLORIDA SHANNA M. MCCROSSEN
History The Everglades was established in 1947 to conserve natural landscape and prevent further degradation of its land, plants and animals. It is a span of 1.5 million acres on Florida Bay, which surrounds the Florida Keys. Everglades are among the first in the United States to be added to the World Heritage List in 1979. They were added due to their variety of water habitats, sanctuary for birds and reptiles and provides refuge for over 20 rare, endangered and threatened species. They were added much later to the Danger list in 2010 because of the disruption of natural flow of water and loss of habitat. The National Park Service is working with Congress to restore parts of the park to combine sciences, engineering and to implement of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in the world.
Dry season is best! The best season to go to The Everglades is during the Dry Season, which is from December to April. The climate is dry, cool, and low humidity. The viewing of animals is greater and all facilities are available. It is crowded during this time of year, however, there are still plenty of ways to gain solitude around the park. Due to the low humidity and cooler air, the mosquitoes and other troublesome insects are almost non-existent. Therefore, camping and all the other activities are much more pleasant. Planning ahead to visit the Everglades during Dry Season is highly recommended since it is the busy season and the best weather.
Wet season is quieter The Everglades is also open during Wet Season, which is from May to November. However, due to the lack of visitors during this season, some facilities may not be available for certain activities. During the Wet Season, there’s heavy rainfall, mainly in the afternoon, but does not last long. The climate is hot, wet, and high humidity. Due to the rising of waters during this time of year, animals tend to disperse, which makes it more difficult for viewing. Troublesome insects are very abundant as well this time of year, therefore, makes camping and all the other activities less pleasurable. Concern for tropical storms and hurricanes are always present. Although the weather is not quite ideal, the object of finding solitude is much more abundant than during Dry Season.
Activities Bicycling Boat/canoe rentals Boat tours Camping Fishing Gift and book sales Hiking (Dry Season ONLY) Paddling Picnicking Ranger Led Programs Tram Tours Walking
Animal viewing Alligator viewing Bird watching Crocodile viewing Manatees
Nature & science Plant life is a vital part of The Everglades. The subtropical merge of the Caribbean and North American climatic conditions is a factor in how the plant life is determined. Geology and soil are influenced by plants as well. Disturbances whether it’s natural or not, determine the vegetation patterns of plants. The natural habitats and ecosystem of the park are in constant change due to climate changes and human process. Geology, water quality and climate are just a few factors that help shape the development of The Everglades. When planning a trip to The Everglades, you can learn more in depth of these factors in the Ranger Led Program activity. The Everglades is also used as an outdoor laboratory for scientific research.
wilderness The Wilderness area at the Everglades is named, The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness, because she instrumentally created the park and who phrased the park, “River of Grass.” The Wilderness is approximately 1.3 million acres of The Everglades. It offers a larger viewing of the wildlife, adventures, dark skies, and also the enjoyment of solitude if necessary. It also serves as a purpose for a large supply of drinking water for south Florida as well as a defense mechanism for tropical storm and hurricane force winds.
The Everglades is open 365 days/24 hours a day. However, they are not secured after 6pm. • There are different fees depending on the type of vehicles, amount of passengers, etc. • One could attend the Everglades annually for $25, which is for 1 purchaser and 1 accompanying person. There would additional fees for extra passengers. • Bikers/pedestrians are also allowed through the park for $5. Persons aged 16 years and below can enter free of charge. • Private vehicles are $10 for 7 days. • Commercial tours, depending on the vehicle and passengers can range from $25-$200. • It is an affordable trip for all. Plan your trip! All types of visitors!