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Everglades National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Everglades National Park Florida There are no other Everglades in the world. Marjory Stoneman Douglas This landscape is unlike any other—beautiful, mysterious, and wild. Tropical and temperate species flourish side-by-side in this environment, a mix found nowhere else in the United States. The essence of the Everglades is found in the sharp, ragged edges of sawgrass blades; an alligator’s deep bellow; the high-stepping dance of wading birds; the waterway labyrinth of the Ten Thousand Islands; and the sparkling, aquamarine waters of Florida Bay. Water is the lifeblood of the Everglades. In summer thunder clouds carry the sweet smell of rain, signaling a time of renewal. This slowmoving “River of Grass” is dependent on the seasonal rise and fall of fresh water. It is also dependent on people. For over 100 years people dredged, dammed, and drained the landscape. In controlling the ebb and flow of this life-giving force, we endangered the Everglades and the life dependent on it. Today, there is hope. To revitalize altered habitats, critical restoration projects attempt to emulate the natural flow of clean water. Everglades is one of few US national parks established to protect unparalleled biological diversity. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance. The future of the Everglades is in our hands. Sunrise on the Pa-hay-okee Trail © GLENN GARDNER Past Mistakes, Present Challenges, Future Hopes For hundreds of years the Everglades was considered a mysterious place. To most outsiders it was an unknown, uncharted wilderness from the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee, extending over lowlying land to Biscayne Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands, and Florida Bay. The early Calusa and Tequesta, and later the Seminole and Miccosukee, perhaps best understood the Everglades. Many non-Native Americans who moved here in the 1800s and early 1900s considered this sensitive wetland a worthless swamp. Historic Water Flow of Everglades National Park, created in 1947, people waged war on this wetland. Current Water Flow Projected global changes in temperature and precipitation may continue to alter the Everglades. Sea-level rise erodes cultural sites, changes habitats, and increases salinity in estuaries and urban water supplies. Today’s Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan works to mimic the historic natural flow of water. Early results are encouraging: Birds are returning to nest, and nonnative plants have been removed in the wetlands restoration west of Royal Palm. People built dams, floodgates, canals, levees, and roads to divert precious water from natural wetlands. This reduced the freshwater flow to productive estuaries, created land for agriculture, grew communities—and set the stage for ecological problems. Soon, the Everglades was drying up. To complicate matters, invasive plants and animals began to compete with native species. Outside the borders An abundance of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles make this place their home. This mosaic of marshes, sawgrass prairies, and forests was a prolific ecosystem that replenished the aquifer—the source of clean water for south Florida. Wood stork © BOB PETERSON These efforts help the park address regional challenges and global climate change issues. How can you help? Major Influences Everglades National Park’s collage of habitats (below) is dynamic. Water, elevation, fire, and hurricanes are major influences on the health of the Everglades. Water  Water flow is essential to all habitats in the Everglades. The two main seasons here are wet and dry. The wet season (May–November) is a time of abundance and renewal when wildlife disperses, following the flood of rainwater across the landscape. In the dry season Black skimmer wildlife congregates in and around ever-shrinking water sources like ponds and gator holes. sunlit environments typical of freshwater marshes and pine rocklands. Elevation Although measured in inches instead of feet, elevation defines each habitat, from the lowest freshwater marsh to higher tropical hardwood hammocks. Hurricanes Powerful winds and storm surges can destroy vegetation and reshape shorelines. These storms also contribute to the park’s biodiversity by opening coastal landscapes that favor certain plants and animals. © PHILIP SIDRAN Roseate spoonbill © PHILIP SIDRAN Fire Natural and prescribed fires help create the mosaic of habitats found in the Everglades and maintain the open, Marine and Estuarine Mangroves Freshwater Marsh Cypress Pine Rockland Tropical Hardwood Hammocks Marine and estuarine waters extend from the Ten Thousand Islands to Florida Bay. Seagrass beds beneath the water provide critical food and shelter for marine life. This environment’s health depends on management of freshwater flows and is key to sustaining productive fisheries outside the park. Mangroves are in coastal channels and winding rivers where fresh and salt water intermingle. These forests stabilize coastal land, sustain nurseries for marine life, and provide nesting habitat for wading birds. These forests are the first line of defense against storm winds and surges. The freshwater marsh is a wide, shallow, slow-moving “river of grass”—the iconic ecosystem of the park. Two major drainages—the broad Shark River Slough (“sloo”) and the narrow Taylor Slough—are the main avenues for freshwater flow. Cypress trees thrive in flooded conditions. Cypress forests often grow in the shape of a dome, with taller trees in the center of the dome or in a linear strand where tree growth follows the water’s flow. A long-lived, deciduous wetland species, cypress can live as long as 600 years. Pine rockland, the Everglades’ rarest and most diverse habitat, is on the highest elevations along a limestone ridge on south Florida’s east coast. It includes a slash pine forest, an understory of saw palmetto, and over 200 varieties of tropical plants. These dense island forests grow on slightly elevated land and rarely flood. Tropical mahogany, gumbo-limbo, mastic, and others outnumber temperate trees like live oak. Ferns and air plants thrive here. Natural moats around hammocks help protect them from fire. Tropical hardwood hammocks Rat snake Cypress Osprey Great blue heron (white morph) Snail kite White pelican Brown pelican Mangroves Pine rockland White ibis Freshwater marsh Freshwater marsh Marine / Estuarine Wood stork River otter Roseate spoonbill Great egret American alligator Mosquito fish Mangrove snapper Pink shrimp Softshell turtle Green sea turtle White-tailed deer Tricolored heron Purple gallinule Cooter Florida gar Florida panther Largemouth bass American crocodile Manatee Walking catfish ILLUSTRATION—NPS / ROBERT HYNES © PATRICK NICHOLS © GLENN GARDNER NPS © GLENN GARDNER Explore the Everglades Camp at a primitive site on the Gulf Coast. View the Everglades from the Observation Tower. Tour along the Anhinga Trail. Paddle through the mangroves. Enjoy a beautiful sunset. Gulf Coast Shark Valley Ernest F. Coe, Scenic Drive Flamingo More Information Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, staffed daily, is at 40001 State Road 9336, 11 miles from Homestead. It has information, a film, exhibits, sales items, and restrooms. Guy Bradley Visitor Center, open year-round, is 38 miles past the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center on the main park road. It has information, exhibits, sales items, ranger-led activities, wilderness permits, and restrooms. Phone: 239-695-2945. Gulf Coast Visitor Center, staffed daily, is 4.75 miles south of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) on FL 29 in Everglades City. It has information, exhibits, wilderness permits, sales items, ranger-led activities in winter, picnicking, and restrooms. Canoeing and kayaking provide a special way to experience wildlife in the Ten Thousand Islands. Canoe and kayak rentals are in the lower level of the visitor center. Check with rangers for weather conditions and safety information. Shark Valley Visitor Center, staffed daily, is on US 41 (Tamiami Trail), 30 miles west of the Florida Turnpike exit for SW 8th Street. It has information, exhibits, sales items, ranger-led activities in winter, and restrooms. Phone: 305-221-8776. Marinas and boat launch facilities are nearby. Experience dolphins, birds, manatees, and other wildlife during motorboat and paddling trips. Phone: 239-695-3311. Sandfly Island Trail (0.9mile walk after a 2.4-mile paddle to the trailhead) features mangrove and tropical hardwood hammock habitats and cultural sites. Bobcat Boardwalk is a 0.5-mile walk from the visitor center through sawgrass marsh. Boat tours, offered daily, provide a glimpse into the mangrove estuary and the Ten Thousand Islands. Information and tickets are available in the visitor center. Call 855-793-5542 or visit evergladesflorida adventures.com. Otter Cave Hammock Trail is a 0.3-mile walk from the visitor center through a tropical hardwood hammock. Closed summer and fall. Tram Trail (15 miles; paved) Bike or walk to experience birds, turtles, alligators, fish, and the Everglades wilderness. Bicycling  Rent a bicycle or bring your own. Permits are required for groups of 20 or more. Helmets are required for ages 16 and under. Airboat tours are offered daily by concessioners: Coopertown, 305-2266048; Gator Park, 305-5592255; Everglades Safari Park, 305-226-6923. The Tram Tour (two-hour, guided) runs daily. Learn about local wildlife and this freshwater ecosystem. Reserve at 305-221-8455. Motorized Access  No private motorized access, cars, or driving access are allowed past the parking lot. Motorized access (parking) is allowed only 8:30 am to 6 pm. No parking outside of that time is allowed. The main park road is a scenic, 38-mile drive from the visitor center to Flamingo. Try these stops: Royal Palm (4 miles past the visitor center), staffed daily, has information, sales items, ranger-led activities in winter, and restrooms. Trails and More Anhinga Trail (0.8 mile) is a must-do with great opportunities to view birds, alligators, turtles, and fish, especially in winter. Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 mile) lets you explore a dense tropical hardwood hammock. Pinelands Trail (0.4 mile) is through a subtropical pine forest, the most diverse habitat in south Florida. Pa-hay-okee Overlook (0.2 mile) has views of the vast Concession services   include a marina, store, Everglades wilderness. gasoline, narrated boat Mahogany Hammock Trail tours, and boat and bike rentals. Lodging and (0.4 mile) is through a dining options include jungle-like island forest. the Flamingo Lodge and Paurotis Pond is a nesting Restaurant, Flamingo Campground, and site for anhinga, wood houseboat rentals. Call stork, great egret, white ibis, roseate spoonbill, and 855-708-2207 or visit flamingoeverglades.com. other species. West Lake Trail (0.4 mile) goes through a mangrove forest whose trees grow in salt water. IGPO:2024—427-086/84097 Last updated 2024 © PAUL MARCELLINI Wildlife Viewing   American crocodiles and manatees may be around the Flamingo Marina. At certain times bird viewing can be excellent at nearby Mrazek and Eco ponds. At low tide birds congregate on the mudflats in front of the visitor center. Safety  Bring sunscreen, Pets are allowed on pubwater, and insect repellent. lic roads, campgrounds, Always supervise small picnic areas, maintained children. This is a wildergrounds, and boats. ness area; wildlife moves Control pets on a 6-foot about freely. Do not feed leash. Temperatures are or approach wildlife. Be extreme; do not leave alert for poisonous plants, pets in a parked car. alligators, and snakes. Fishing  Ask at a visitor center or check the park Emergencies call Canoeing and Kayaking   844-677-0911 website for regulations. Information and trail maps are available at the visitor Explore More  The park Prohibited in the Park   center. Ask park rangers offers wilderness camping, Unpiloted aircraft, Jet for safety information and greater solitude on longer Skis, water-skiing, and current conditions. trails, outstanding night off-road vehicles. Suggested paddling routes skies, and more. Ask a include Nine Mile Pond Firearms  Florida state ranger, visit the website, and trips on Florida Bay. or use the official NPS App law applies to firearms Guided paddling trips are to guide your visit. in the park. Hunting is available in winter. Call prohibited. 239-695-2945. Drive-in camping is More Information available at Long Pine Everglades National Park Key and Flamingo. Call 40001 State Rd. 9336 855-708-2207 or check Homestead, FL 33034-6733 flamingoeverglades.com. 305-242-7700 www.nps.gov/ever Accessibility  We strive to make facilities, services, and programs accessible to Everglades National Park all. For information go to a is one of over 425 parks in visitor center, ask a ranger, the National Park System. call, or check the website. Visit www.nps.gov. Great blue heron © PHILIP SIDRAN Everglades Ecosystems Marine and estuarine Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness South Florida is one of the nation’s fastest growing urban areas with over nine million residents. It is also home to a remarkable wilderness. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness area preserves nearly 1.3 million acres of marine estuary, mangrove and cypress forests, hardwood hammock, and sawgrass prairie. It is the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River. Wilderness once encircled humans; now we encircle it. Wilderness gives us a glimpse of what America once was. Non-wilderness Wilderness Submerged Wilderness Distances From Coe Visitor Center Royal Palm 4 miles (mi) Pinelands 7 mi 6 kilometers (km) 11 km Homestead 11 mi 18 km Pa-hay-okee Overlook 13 mi 21 km Mahogany Hammock 20 mi 32 km Nine Mile Pond 27 mi 43 km West Lake 31 mi 50 km Guy Bradley Visitor Center 38 mi 61 km Florida Bay Ranger Station 38 mi 61 km Miami International Airport 45 mi 72 km Shark Valley Visitor Center 50 mi 80 km Gulf Coast Visitor Center 92 mi 148 km Key West 135 mi 217 km Messages To Boaters Do not use this map for navigation. Navigational Ocean Survey charts are essential for safe boating. Charts are available in most communities around the park and throughout the Keys. Knowing the draft (depth) and limits of your boat is critical, as is the ability to read and use nautical charts. A boater education certificate is required to operate a vessel within Everglades National Park; visit www.nps.gov/ever/ planyourvisit/boating.htm. To protect important seagrass beds, pole / troll zones have been established and are subject to special regulation. • Recreational fishing requires a license in both fresh and salt water. • A permit is required for backcountry camping. Coastal marsh Mangrove Cypress Coastal prairie Freshwater slough Pineland Freshwater marl prairie Hardwood hammock