In southern Florida, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in North America. Recognised globally by three major international initiatives—World Heritage, UNESCO Man and the Biosphere programme, and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands—the park is a significant conservation area. Surrounded by Miami and its suburbs to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and adjacent to the Tamiami Trail, Big Cypress National Preserve, and other state lands to the north, it extends southward towards the Florida Keys and covers much of Florida Bay.
Everglades National Park features an array of ecosystems, from mangrove forests to sawgrass marshes. This varied environment supports rare and endangered species such as the Florida panther, West Indian manatee, American crocodile, and wood stork. The park also hosts large colonies of wading birds like roseate spoonbills and great egrets and is a crucial stopover for migratory birds. Activities available include hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park’s unique location at the intersection of temperate and subtropical climates, and its mix of fresh and brackish waters, creates a rich habitat for numerous plant and animal species. However, human activities have posed threats to this natural beauty, leading to its inclusion on the World Heritage in Danger List in 2010. Despite these challenges, extensive restoration projects are underway to protect and restore the park’s ecosystems for future generations.
Home to an impressive range of wildlife, Everglades National Park boasts 800 species of land and water vertebrates, including 14 threatened species and 25 types of mammals. Birdwatchers will find over 400 bird species, such as the snail kite, white-crowned pigeon, and roseate spoonbill. The park also supports 60 reptiles, amphibians, and insect species, including threatened swallowtail butterflies. Its aquatic environments feature over 275 fish species, highlighting the park's remarkable biodiversity.
The park is rich in history, with over 200 archaeological sites revealing pre- and post-European heritage. Shell mounds and shellworks from the Calusa tribe are scattered throughout the area. The Calusa were a significant political group in the region, constructing complex shell formations that served various purposes within their communities. These historical features offer a glimpse into the ingenuity of the Calusa people.
An important historical site within the park is the Mud Lake Canal, a well-preserved example of a precontact canoe canal created by the Tequesta people. This National Historic Landmark represents one of North America's few surviving long-distance canoe trails, connecting the Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands, and the Florida Keys. The canal illustrates the Tequesta's advanced engineering and navigation skills.
Visitors to Everglades National Park can enjoy a range of activities including biking, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The National Park Service offers ranger-led programs that provide tours and detailed information about the park's various areas, enhancing the visitor experience.
