Everglades National Park
Posted in North America | April 2, 2010 | Comment NowEverglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Florida (Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Collier counties) in the USA. The park, which is one of the largest national parks (area: 6,110 square kilometres) in the US, protects Everglades, the largest subtropical wetlands in the country. Everglades National Park is among the only three locations in the world that has also been declared an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance besides a World Heritage Site. The park was set up in 1947. Nearest city is Florida City.
Geography:
The elevation of the park ranges from 0 to 2.4 metres above sea level. However, a shell mound built by Native Americans on the Gulf Coast is 6.1 metres. Lake Okeechobee is situated in this region. The highest elevation in the park is populated by Dade County Slash Pine forest.
Climate:
December-April is the dry time when mercury hovers between 12 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius with low humidity. June to November is the wet season when humidity level is high. Average annual rainfall is 60 inches. Hurricanes are likely in June-November.
Flora:
The park is home to about 1,000 plant species. Oaks, wild coffee, white indigoberry, poisonwood and saw palmetto, wild tamarind and gumbo-limbo are to name a few. Everglades National Park has the largest continuous mangrove system in the world. Cypress trees are available.
Fauna:
The park is home to thirty-six threatened species including, Florida panther, sea turtles, American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee. Fresh and saltwater fishes and reptiles besides mammals are also found here.
Birds:
Cape Sable seaside sparrow and Everglades snail kite are two of the most endangered avifauna species found here. Herons, hawks, kites and terns are found here.
Reaching Everglades National Park:
By air:
Miami International Airport is the closest airport.
By road:
Route 41 (west) and Route 1 (south) link Everglades with Miami.
Visitors’ Centres:
The park has four visitors’ centres, namely, Ernest Coe Visitor Center, Flamingo Visitor Center, Shark Valley Visitor Center and Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
Fees/Permits:
Vehicle charge (for 7 days) is $10 for 7 days while that of pedestrians/bicyclists is $5. Everglades National Park Annual Pass is also available for $25 (valid for twelve months).
Attractions:
- Florida Bay (tours and touring boats are available at Flamingo).
- Royal Palm / Anhinga Trail for wildlife viewing and birding
- Eco Pond (was a great place for wildlife viewing and birding until the great damage caused by the 2005 hurricane)
- Big Cypress National Preserve to the north of the park
Activities:
- Guided tours
- Shark Valley Tram Tours in the heart of River of Grass
- Everglades National Park Boat Tours
- Boat tours to Florida Bay
- Cypress Airboat Rides
- Fishing (separate Florida licenses are required for freshwater and saltwater)
- Boating
- Backcountry tours by motorboats, kayaks and canoes and sometimes by hiking.
Accommodation:
- The park has two drive-in campgrounds, both of which accommodate tents and RVs.
- Long Pine Key Campground, located about 6 miles away from Ernest Coe Visitor Centre. Reservations are not accepted.
- Flamingo Campground located near the Flamingo Visitor Center
- Flamingo Lodge, Marina, and Outpost Resort
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