5 Things you Might Not Know about the Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades is a national treasure that is home to numerous wildlife, and the preservation of the area is a main commitment in the State of Florida. These vast wetlands are an extraordinary sight to see for yourself, and it’s easy to realize why so many people travel from across the world to take in all the delicate ecosystem has to offer firsthand. By educating yourself about the contributions the natural habitat gives to society, we can find ways to preserve one of nature’s greatest gifts and enjoy all that it has to offer. Everglades Holiday Park, an Everglades Gator Park in Fort Lauderdale, shares 5 things that you should know about the Everglades:

Floridians rely on the Everglades for their water supply.

As the water starts to flow and collect in the Everglades, it gets stored in aquifers. The water that a majority of Floridians drink comes from these freshwater aquifers and is a major supply for the large state. It’s very important to keep the vast wetland preserved and healthy as we rely on this water source for South Florida.

The Everglades is a slow-moving river.

A common misconception about the Everglades is that this body of water is just a swamp or a marsh. However, the Everglades is actually a slow-moving river that is constantly flowing. Water flows from north to south from Lake Okeechobee and this body of water is also known as the “River of Grass”. This is why many people like to take a private airboat tour here at Everglades Holiday Park

Multiple threatened or endangered species live in the Everglades.

The wildlife in the Everglades is a vast mix of birds, mammals, and reptiles that call these wetlands home. While many of these animals thrive in this environment, there are various species that are in danger and are slowly becoming scarce. The Florida Panther is an example of an endangered species living in the Everglades. Constant development on surrounding lands cause further issues for endangered animals like these.

The Water Level is shallow.

The water level is only on average around 4 to 5 feet deep and the deepest point is around 9 feet. While this river is shallow enough for people to swim in it, you should stick to riding in an airboat for your own safety. The abundance of wildlife living throughout the Everglades will be spotted no matter where you journey through – especially alligators.

Oil used to be present in the past.

Back in the 1940’s there was oil found in the Park and the area was actually previously owned by the Humble Oil Company. Even though there was once oil found, the company gave the area to the government as a result of poor quality oil. This National Park has transformed throughout the years and the preservation of The Everglades is a main priority.

Now that you have learned some interesting facts, it’s time to take a trip over to our Everglades Gator Park and experience the wonderful wetlands for yourself! The Everglades is a must when it comes to sightseeing in Florida.