Everglades National Park: America’s Unique Wetland Wilderness

Explore America's largest subtropical wilderness—home to rare species, dynamic ecosystems, and cultural history.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 27, 2025

Explore America's largest subtropical wilderness—home to rare species, dynamic ecosystems, and cultural history.

Spanning more than 2,300 square miles across southern Florida, Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Esteemed as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, the Everglades serve as a haven for rare wildlife, a living laboratory for ecological processes, and one of America’s most treasured natural landscapes.

Overview & Location

Everglades National Park encompasses the southwestern part of the broader Everglades ecosystem, preserving about the southern fifth of this vast marshland. The park stretches from the Kissimmee River basin in central Florida southward to Florida Bay, incorporating a network of wetlands, forests, and rivers that form a unique mosaic of habitats.
Key facts:

Area: 2,357 square miles (over 1.5 million acres)
Established: 1947
Nearest cities: Miami & Homestead, Florida
Coordinates: 25°18′45″N 80°41′15″W
Part of the triad of UNESCO World Heritage, Biosphere Reserve, and Ramsar Wetlands

The park is bounded by Biscayne National Park to the east, Big Cypress National Preserve to the north, and stretches toward Dry Tortugas National Park along the Florida Keys to the southwest.

A Brief History of Everglades National Park

The Everglades region has nurtured people and wildlife for thousands of years. Indigenous communities such as the Calusa and later the Seminole thrived in these wetlands for centuries. However, the 19th and 20th centuries brought drastic changes as settlers sought to drain and develop “the swamp.” As ecological understanding grew, conservationists recognized the critical value of this ecosystem:

1934: Congress authorized the creation of Everglades National Park. Acquisition of land, largely from private owners, took over a decade.
1947: The park was officially established, marking the first time a national park was created in the United States to protect an ecosystem, rather than a geological landmark.
1976: Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
1978–79: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
1987: Recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

The Everglades remain the only site globally to receive all three international recognitions.

Geography & Ecosystems

Nicknamed the River of Grass, the Everglades is in fact a slow-moving, shallow river—only about half a mile per day in flow—that winds from Lake Okeechobee down to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay.

Main Ecosystems

Freshwater Sloughs: Channels carrying water through sawgrass prairies, vital for wildlife movement and water distribution.
Sawgrass Marshes: Dominated by sawgrass, these wetlands appear as a seemingly endless sea of grass stretching toward the horizon.
Cypress Swamps: Towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss form mystical swamps, especially noticeable in wetter northern areas.
Pine Rocklands: Uplands supporting rare and fire-adapted pine trees, offering refuge for many endangered plants and animals.
Tropical Hardwood Hammocks: Islands of rich, broadleaf trees that form shaded canopies, supporting rare orchids and other flora.
Mangrove Forests: The park contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, serving as nurseries for fish, birds, and crustaceans.
Coastal Marshes & Estuaries: Where fresh and saltwater mix, supporting wading birds, manatees, and key commercial fisheries.

The interplay of freshwater and saltwater habitats creates among the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna

Everglades National Park is renowned for the scope, rarity, and uniqueness of its life forms. It is North America’s most significant breeding ground for tropical wading birds and a stronghold for several critically endangered species.

Wildlife Highlights

Over 350 species of birds, including roseate spoonbills, great egrets, wood storks, snail kites, and bald eagles.
36 threatened or protected species, such as the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee.
Amazing diversity:
- 50 species of reptiles
- Over 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish
- 40 species of mammals
Largest population of mangroves in the Western Hemisphere

The Everglades boasts complex food webs, where alligators, crocodiles, and the elusive panther are apex predators in a system that encompasses everything from algae to wading birds and fish.

Plant Life

Vast stands of sawgrass and cypress dominate much of the park, interspersed with tropical hammock trees including mahogany and gumbo-limbo.
Epiphytes and rare orchids, including the famed ghost orchid.
Fire-adapted pines in upland rockland habitats.

Why the Everglades Matter

The Everglades are globally significant for several reasons:

Ecological Services: The wetlands act as giant sponges, filtering and replenishing fresh water for much of South Florida’s population.
Threatened Species Sanctuary: Home to iconic and endangered animals not found anywhere else.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The meeting point of tropical and temperate species, fresh and saltwater habitats.
Cultural Heritage: The site harbors millennia of Indigenous history and the story of modern conservation movements.

Visiting Everglades National Park

Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, Everglades National Park offers a spectrum of opportunities to experience its majesty and mystery. The park is open year-round, with most visitors arriving during the “dry season” (December to April) when wildlife is abundant and mosquitoes less intense.

Entrance Points and Visitor Centers

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (Homestead): The park’s main entrance, near Miami, with exhibits and access to Royal Palm and Anhinga Trail.
Shark Valley: Accessible from Miami, featuring a 15-mile loop trail (with tram tours and bike rentals) and an observation tower with panoramic park views.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City): Launchpad for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands and mangrove estuaries by boat or kayak.
Flamingo Visitor Center: Southernmost park station on Florida Bay, with campgrounds, water-based adventures, and spectacular sunset vistas.

Popular Activities

Wildlife watching: See alligators, manatees, and spectacular birdlife along boardwalks and trails.
Kayaking & Canoeing: Paddle marked trails winding through mangroves or remote waterways—experienced paddlers attempt the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway.
Hiking: Explore short interpretive trails or multi-day wilderness hikes among hardwood hammocks and sloughs.
Boating & fishing: The park’s shallow waters are popular with anglers and guided tour operators.
Camping: Both drive-in and backcountry primitive sites available; reservations are recommended, especially in winter.
Photography: The Everglades’ unique light and wildlife attract photographers from around the world.

Major Threats & Conservation Efforts

Despite its protections, the Everglades face ongoing challenges linked to human activity and global change:

Water Diversion & Pollution: Draining, damming, and redirecting the region’s water for agricultural and urban uses has reduced the historic water flow, leading to habitat loss and increases in pollutants.
Invasive Species: Non-native animals (like the Burmese python) and plants disrupt native food webs and outcompete indigenous species.
Climate Change: Rising sea levels threaten to inundate coastal wetlands. Shifting precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity also put stress on ecosystems.
Development Pressure: Ever-expanding urban zones around Miami and Naples encroach on park boundaries and alter the flow of clean water into the wetlands.

Active restoration efforts, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) approved by Congress in 2000, aim to reestablish historic water flows, reduce pollution, and control invasive species. These efforts are among the largest ecosystem restoration projects worldwide.

Everglades National Park: At-A-Glance

Feature	Details
Location	Southern tip of Florida, USA
Size	2,357 square miles (6,105 square kilometers)
Established	1947
UNESCO World Heritage	Yes (since 1979)
Most Famous Species	Florida panther, American crocodile, manatee
Main Habitats	River of Grass, mangrove forests, cypress swamps, pine rocklands, coastal marsh
Best Time to Visit	December to April (dry season)

Preparation & Safety Tips

Protect yourself from sun and insects: Wear long sleeves, use sunscreen, and bring mosquito repellent, especially in the wet season (May–November).
Stay hydrated: The climate is hot and humid most of the year.
Respect wildlife: Keep your distance from alligators and other animals; do not feed or disturb wildlife.
Be prepared for changing weather: Afternoon storms are common in summer; carry rain gear.
Prepare for limited services: Plan ahead for fuel, food, and water. Some facilities are remote or closed seasonally.

Fascinating Facts About the Everglades

The Everglades is the only place in the world where both alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild.
Over one-third of Florida’s endangered species call the Everglades home.
The park contains nine distinct ecosystems, ranging from pinelands to deep water sloughs.
Most of South Florida’s drinking water is filtered through the Everglades’ vast wetlands and the underlying Biscayne Aquifer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best way to see wildlife in the Everglades?

A: Boardwalks like the Anhinga Trail and tram tours at Shark Valley offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Early morning and winter months typically provide the best sightings.

Q: Are there any dangerous animals in Everglades National Park?

A: Yes. Alligators, crocodiles, pythons, and venomous snakes inhabit the park, but human attacks are extremely rare. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.

Q: Can visitors camp overnight in the park?

A: Yes. There are developed campgrounds at Long Pine Key and Flamingo, plus numerous backcountry sites accessible by boat or hiking. Reservations are recommended in peak season.

Q: When is hurricane season, and does it affect visitation?

A: Hurricane season runs June to November. Some areas and services may close for safety during storms or flooding. Always check park alerts before your visit.

Q: Why does the park sometimes appear on the World Heritage in Danger list?

A: Due to declining water flows, increased pollution, and invasive species, UNESCO has periodically listed the Everglades as a World Heritage Site in Danger to highlight ongoing threats and the need for restoration.

Conclusion: Preserving a Natural Treasure

Everglades National Park exemplifies the resilience and vulnerability of America’s natural heritage. As one of Earth’s most crucial wetlands, the park invites visitors to witness rare wildlife, striking landscapes, and ongoing restoration efforts. Future generations rely on conservation and public stewardship to keep this liquid wilderness thriving. Whether paddling through mangrove tunnels or watching a heron hunt in sunrise light, the Everglades offers an experience found nowhere else on the planet.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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