The Extent and Character of the Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades is a vast and complex natural region that covers a significant portion of southern Florida. Despite efforts to reduce its size by draining, the Everglades still occupies a striking 7,500 to 8,000 square miles, making it one of the most impressive wetland ecosystems in the world.

Historical and Ecological Impact

Historically, the Everglades covered an area between 11,000 and 16,000 square miles in the early 19th century, a testament to its former expansiveness. The term Everglades is used to describe an area rather than a specific height or diameter of trees, which vary greatly within the region, often measuring just a few feet above the ground. At its most conservative estimate, the mapped saw-grass plains measure 1,200 square miles (3,100 km2), and this vast expanse is further detailed as being about 1.5 million acres in total.

The National Park and Protected Areas

A significant portion of the Everglades is protected as the Everglades National Park, covering approximately 2,800 square miles. This park is a vital sanctuary for numerous species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. The name Everglades is unique to Florida and may originate from the concept of grassy expanses, combining the words "ever" (referring to the marsh's vast and seemingly endless nature) and "glade" (an open grassy area).

Ecosystem and Wildlife

The Everglades is a diverse ecosystem, known as the "River of Grass," featuring a range of habitats including saw-grass marshes, mangrove swamps, prairies, cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, and pine rocklands. Throughout the year, the Everglades experiences dramatic changes in water levels, with periods of flooding during the wet season and droughts in the dry season. The climate is tropical to subtropical, with annual rainfall averaging between 40 and 65 inches (1000 to 1650 mm), with most precipitation occurring between May and October.

Unique Features and Challenges

The region's organic soils, formed from the decay of vegetation, range from shallow patches to thick peat and muck near Lake Okeechobee. The Everglades is home to over 350 bird species, numerous fish species, and a variety of mammals, including alligators, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and various reptiles. Endangered species such as the manatee, Florida panther, and American crocodile also find refuge here.

Legacy and Human Impact

Early inhabitants, including the Calusa and Tequesta, utilized the Everglades for hunting, fishing, and transportation. The Seminole people, known for their expertise in navigating and utilizing the swamp, developed unique housing and agriculture methods to thrive in the region. Despite the harsh environment, the Everglades remains a critical ecological and cultural resource, facing challenges from human activity and environmental degradation throughout the 20th century.

The Everglades is a unique and captivating natural wonder that continues to draw scientific interest and environmental conservation efforts. Its vast expanse and diverse ecosystem make it a crucial part of Florida's natural legacy, deserving of continued study and protection.