The Everglades

The Everglades

Weird and Wonderful Have you ever heard of a gumbo-limbo? How about a skink? Or a stinkpot? These are not cartoon characters. They are the names of plants and animals that live in Everglades National Park in Florida. It is a weird and wonderful place, unlike any other.

More Than a Swamp The area known as the Everglades makes up much of South Florida. Everglades National Park lies within this area. The region is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It has hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. Some people may think the Everglades is just a big wet swamp. The Everglades does have lots of water, but its waters connect different ecosystems. Each of these ecosystems supports different life-forms. There are mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish. Many are found only in the Everglades.

To the north are freshwater cypress swamps. They are named for the cypress trees that grow there. Cypress swamps cover an area bigger than the state of Rhode Island! Cypress swamps are home to a wide variety of animals. These include panthers, rabbits, turkey, and deer.

Mangrove swamps are saltwater swamps. They are found at the Everglades' southern tip. They get their name from trees that grow there. Mangrove trees have long roots. The roots rise above the water. They hold the trees steady as ocean tides rise and fall. The roots are also home to other living things. Algae and tiny shellfish live there. Fish hide in the roots to keep safe from animals that might eat them.

Between the different swamps are sawgrass marshes. Sawgrass is a tall plant that grows in water. Each blade of grass has sharp teeth, like a saw. Alligators that live in the marshes use sawgrass to build their nests.