Everglades By: Briana Betress

Location Southern tip of Florida, from Lake Okeechobee southward to the Florida Bay Has an area of 34,000 –km 2 About half of the area has been lost to agriculture/urbanization

History US forces explored the everglades to drive out the Seminoles 1850 the Swamp and Overflow Act turned over the area to the government a series of canals were dug The now drained area was found to be very fertile and suitable for agriculture

Some Facts Sometimes called the River of Grass Everglades National Park covers 20% of the original land Water is used for Miami’s water supply as well as other surrounding regions There are several small outlets including Miami River, New River, and Shark River It has a subtropical climate with annual rhythms of drought, flood, and fire Only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist together

Flora Scorpion's Tail Climbing asterSixangle Foldwing BeggarticksFalse Foxglove Fireflag

Flora II Wetland Fireflag, Arrowroot White Fragrant Water Lily Spike Rush SawgrassMahogany Fireflag Willow

Fauna West Indian Manatee White-tailed Deer Racoon Great Blue Heron Florida Panther Great Egret Brown Pelican Black-necked Stilt

Fauna II Everglades Crayfish Green Tree Frog Dragonfly Florida Cooter American Alligator Flagfish Southern Cricket Frog Everglades Ratsnake

Threats Water Control –Drainage canals –Pumping stations Introduced, Exotic, and Invasive Species –Mayan Cichlid, Melaleuca tree, Burmese Python Development –Urbanization, Agriculture, Industry Drought Fires

Introduced, Exotics, and Invasives Mayan Cichlid Melaleuca Tree Water Hyacinth Brazilian Holly Burmese Python

Problems 90-95% wading bird population reduction 68 plant and animal species endangered or threatened 1.5 million acres infested with invasive and exotic species 1.7 billion gallons of discharge into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico Saltwater intrusion Over 1 million acres under health advisories for mercury Conservation Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) It will take more than 30 years and $7.8 billion dollars The plan is to capture discharged water before going to ocean and reroute it, first, to deficient areas and then agricultural areas.

Any Questions?

References wrp_evg_info/photos_exotic.html Mitsch W. and Gosselink J. Wetlands John Wiley & Sons Inc.