In celebration of Everglades Day, we are highlighting the beauty of America’s largest subtropical wilderness.
DID YOU KNOW: America’s Everglades is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that exists nowhere else in the world.
SUBTROPICAL WILDERNESS: This iconic River of Grass is a mosaic of sawgrass marshes, freshwater wetlands, prairies and forested uplands that support a rich plant and wildlife community. The mix of salt and fresh water makes it the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side.
A ONE-OF-A-KIND ECOSYSTEM: The Everglades is home to wildlife including the Florida panther, American crocodile, snail kite and wood stork.
It serves as a haven for migratory birds and provides important nursery habitat for wading birds and fish. The Everglades also supports a unique assemblage of plants found nowhere else.
CELEBRATING AMERICA’S EVERGLADES: Everglades Day is recognized on April 7 each year to celebrate this national treasure. This day also emphasizes the importance of conserving and protecting this subtropical wilderness.
A NATIONAL TREASURE: As we celebrate Everglades Day, we are showcasing some interesting facts about the Everglades and the ways we can all enjoy its natural beauty. Sights include:
👀 Enjoy a Birds Eye View: Shark Valley's 70-foot observation tower provides wonderful views of the sweeping Everglades ecosystem.
🐦 Watch for Birds and Wildlife: Discover over 300 bird species and watch for wildlife that call this ecosystem home.
🌞 Watch the Sunset: Located at the southernmost point in mainland Florida, Flamingo offers beautiful sunsets! The area around the Flamingo Visitor Center also provides campground facilities, a public boat ramp, a marina store, and other hiking and canoeing trails.
🛶 Paddle Amongst the Mangroves: Nine Mile Pond in Everglades National Park offers canoeing and kayaking. This scenic trail passes through shallow grassy marsh with scattered mangrove islands.
🥾 Enjoy Activities for Everyone: Everglades National Park is the third largest park in the lower 48 states, covering 2,400 square miles! The diverse habitat allows for a wide variety of recreational activities.
SUPPORTING THE ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF THE EVERGLADES: The South Florida Water Management District is working closely with federal, state and local partners to achieve restoration goals and protect this extraordinary ecosystem.
The District continues to advance key restoration projects that support the ecological health of the Everglades now and for future generations.
We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Restoration to learn more.