Keeping The Everglades Ecosystem Safe

By Author: Jesse Henson
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Did you know that the Everglades are not technically just a swamp? They are actually a very slow moving river, miles wide and dotted with small hummocks and land masses. There is no other river like it in the United States, making it a gorgeous vacation spot.

While the Everglades are wonderful to visit, visitors are encouraged to learn a little about this unique ecosystem so they can respect it and even contribute to keeping it safe for everyone. Tourist attractions near the Everglades strive to be environmentally green, but even visitors can do a lot to appreciate this natural setting and support its continuing safety.

Early Developments in the Everglades Area

In the 1950s and 1960s land developers realized that the Everglades was a good place to plan vacation spots, but initial development was all about making profits at the expense of the ecosystem. Preservationists and developers eventually came to agreements that set aside large areas as protected places, while still allowing for multi-million dollar development which tourists use as starting points for their exploration of the Everglades.

Much ...
... damage was done early on, but conservation efforts are slowly bringing the area back to sustainable levels. Visitors to the Everglades must be careful to minimize their impact on the area. There are thousands of places to stay in South Florida, so choose the most ecologically sound option and go for it.

Nine Unique Habitats, One Gorgeous Ecosystem

From hardwood hummocks to freshwater prairies, the Everglades is like a fantastic mosaic of natural wonders in every part you explore. Mahogany grows alongside maple, and mangrove tunnels are scattered throughout the area. These trees grow on small hummocks in the sloughs only a few inches above the water level, yet they thrive in the warm, sub-tropical environment.

The Everglades prairies are not like the rolling plains in the western United States. These marls border the deeper marshes and are home to a great diversity of low-growing saw grass. While they are not as deep as the sloughs they border, these prairies are still very wet from the slow seeping freshwater.

Animal Life That Calls the Everglades Home

Tiny grass frogs live happily alongside the largest crocodiles in North America, part a diverse animal population that is unique to the world. The Everglades is the only place in the world where you will find alligators and crocodiles in the same region. Most snakes that inhabit the Everglades are perfectly harmless, but visitors should be aware and careful of poisonous species.

Immense flocks of colorful birds are everywhere in the Everglades, some permanently residing in the trees and swamps, and others stopping off on their way to some other migratory spot. More than 360 different bird species have been observed in the area. Some of these birds are tourists themselves, so try to time your visit so you can take advantage of the unique birding opportunities.

How Everglades Visitors Can Help Conservation Efforts

Protecting this wide diversity of bird species is one of the main reasons the Everglades National Park was established. At the turn of the last century, trade in bird feathers was wreaking havoc with the populations, and draining swamps destroyed much of their habitat. Visitors to the Everglades area should carefully determine the origin of any souvenirs which have bird feathers, making sure that those feathers were gathered through ecologically sound methods.

Many recreational opportunities such as camping, canoeing, and hiking are available in the Everglades area. Visitors should always stay on trails and in designated water areas. Pick up your trash, of course -leave any area you visit better than you found it. Many boating tours are available for those who would like to explore the area in great detail, and this is an ecologically sound way to cover a lot of ground without making a lot of impact.

Volunteer-In-Parks and Junior Ranger Opportunities

For visitors with the time and inclination, a longer stay in the Everglades opens an interesting possibility: volunteering time to clear trails, clean up beaches, talk to visitors at the park centers, and even study the biology and ecosystem in greater depth.

Kids can experience the Everglades firsthand through the Junior Ranger program. Regularly scheduled programs are available for one-time participation or to develop a lifelong interest in the Everglades. Kids find this area of Florida fascinating and they can take home lessons on how to preserve nature while still enjoying it to the fullest.

Immersing yourself in the Everglades can take anywhere from a day to a lifetime. There is so much to see and do-yet visitors must always remember to respect this fragile and wonderful ecosystem so that it stays beautiful for all future travelers.
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