The Florida Everglades, a vast natural expanse in southern Florida, represents a unique and complex ecosystem. It exemplifies how diverse environmental elements intertwine to create a rich landscape, drawing interest from scientists and conservationists worldwide.
A Unique Subtropical Wetland
The Florida Everglades is a subtropical wetland ecosystem. Wetlands are areas where water either covers the soil or is present near the surface for significant periods, influencing soil development and the types of plants and animals that thrive there. Spanning approximately 1.5 to 2 million acres across central and south Florida, the Everglades fits this classification. Its subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity, supports diverse habitats, including expansive sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps, pine rocklands, and coastal mangrove forests. Persistent water saturation creates oxygen-poor soils, to which vegetation has adapted, forming a distinct semi-aquatic environment.
The “River of Grass” Phenomenon
A defining characteristic of the Everglades is its hydrological feature, known as the “River of Grass.” This phenomenon describes how water flows slowly and broadly southward from Lake Okeechobee across a vast, shallow limestone base. Unlike typical rivers confined to channels, the water forms a wide, shallow sheet flow, measuring up to 60 miles wide and over 100 miles long. This gradual movement is due to the extremely subtle elevation gradient, which measures only about two inches per mile in some areas south of Lake Okeechobee. This slow, consistent sheet flow of water sculpts the landscape, creating distinct ridge and slough topography and supporting specific vegetation like sawgrass, which can grow up to 10 feet tall.
A Haven for Biodiversity
The Everglades supports an exceptional array of plant and animal life. Its wetland environment provides habitat for a wide variety of species, including many endangered or threatened. More than 360 bird species, 60 reptile species, and 40 mammal species have been recorded within this intricate mosaic of habitats.
Iconic species such as the American alligator, American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee all call the Everglades home. The park also provides a sanctuary for numerous wading birds, including white and glossy ibises, roseate spoonbills, egrets, and herons. Diverse habitats, from freshwater sloughs to mangrove forests, contribute to this richness, with some species, like the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, found nowhere else.
A Globally Important Ecosystem
The Florida Everglades is recognized internationally for its ecological significance, serving as a globally important ecosystem. It has received multiple international designations highlighting its value. These include being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976, and a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) in 1987. Its universal value stems from its position as the largest designated subtropical wilderness reserve in North America, containing the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie and the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. The Everglades also represents a significant breeding ground for North American wading birds.