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Loading ...THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Within its territory the USA has some of the finest National Parks in the world. These eco systems of outstanding scenic beauty and teeming with wildlife make for a fantastic holiday destination. The three largest Parks are Death Valley, Yellowstone and the Everglades.
The smallest of the three, created in 1934, is the Everglades National Park in Florida. This subtropical wilderness covering 1,509,000 acres is a slow moving system of rivers fed by the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. Its importance is such that it has been declared a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance.
It contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere which acts as a nursery for the many marine and bird species. The Everglades is inhabited by 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and sea water fish, 40 species of mammals and some 50 types of reptiles. Apart from mango swamps, their habitats include Pineland, Sawgrass and Sloughs (Low lying areas covered in water flowing at an almost imperceptible rate)
Reptiles and amphibians find homes in the Hardwood Hammocks which are tiny tear-shaped islands rising a few inches above water. Protected or endangered species include the Florida Panther, Turtles, the American Crocodile, - which shares a rare co-existence with alligators - the West Indian Manatee, Tree Snails and the Wood Rat. For the bird watchers, exotic birds include the White Pelican, Turkey Vulture and Wood Storks. The Park is the most significant breeding site for tropical wading birds in North America.
There are several visitor centres including the Shark Valley Centre, the Ernest Coe Centre, the Flamingo Centre and the Gulf Coast Visitor’s Centre From the latter canoers can access the Wilderness Waterway, a 160 Km canoe trail. On Pine Island there are self-guided walking trails through hammocks, pinelands and sloughs where on the Anhinga and the Gumbo Limbo Trails visitors can see alligators, turtles and birds, close up! More rugged trails for serious hikers exist in the mangrove swamps which are best for seeing Shore and Wading Birds. Two high boardwalks allow visitors to explore a Cypress forest at Pa-Ha-O-Kee. The Marjory Stonemann Douglas Wilderness Area offers cyclists 45 Km of off-road riding.
Low powered motorboats are allowed in certain areas. Jet skis and air-boats are forbidden. Swimming is not recommended unless you wish to collide with Water Moccasins or Alligators in the low visibility water!!
There are 234, all-year-round campsites with 108 accessible by cars and RV’s. Back-country permits are required for certain of these sites.
The Everglades National Park is without doubt an American treasure and you and the family will surely enjoy a visit to this unique region. It is highly recommended for photographers, campers, hikers, canoeists, birdwatchers,animal lovers and those who love adventure. The Everglades National Park has it all.
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