As these areas dry, they decompose and release dangerous levels of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. ![]() Additionally, there are much greater consequences for peat soils, the foundation for the Everglades ecosystem. This disconnection has led to very low water levels with all areas of Everglades National Park experiencing very low water levels areas such as Northeast Shark River Slough are very dry creating a high risk for fires.Īs if the dry conditions weren’t bad enough, dry marsh conditions contribute to further loss of habitat for aquatic animals including fish, crayfish, alligators, and wading birds. Currently, the Everglades ecosystem has shrunk to an astonishing 50 percent of what it once was resulting in a disconnection from Lake Okeechobee. Once connected to Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades ecosystem was well equipped to deal with drought conditions but those conditions are no longer present. Combined with one of the driest Septembers on record in 2019, South Florida has experienced a massive rainfall deficit for over 7 months. In March 2020, South Florida experienced record dry conditions with only a quarter-inch of rainfall. Everything from the water the animals drink to the estuaries where young fish and amphibians are spawned relies on the balance of water in the Everglades. Too much or too little water can be disastrous for wildlife, depending on the time of year. However, there is hope the National Park is working hard to restore the flow of fresh water into the Everglades, which has successfully managed to push back against the intrusion of the saltwater.īecause of the ecosystem’s delicate nature, even small fluctuations in the amount of water can have devastating effects on the flora and fauna that call the Everglades home. According to the Everglades Foundation, the ultra-pure water we have enjoyed has fallen to about 50% of what it used to be. This has also driven up the cost of desalinating our drinking water and strained the natural filtration system. Due in part to rising sea levels, saltwater has contaminated the Biscayne Aquifer presenting challenges to the ecosystem. Sadly, over the past 100 years, rising sea levels coupled with overdevelopment of the land have caused the natural filtration system to change – and not for the better. Whether you know it or not, if you’re in South Florida, you’re most likely drinking Everglades water every time you turn on the tap.Ī beautiful sunset in Everglades National Park The water that flows into the aquifer is filtered through nutrient-dense soil and limestone, producing some of the purest water found anywhere in the world. The Biscayne Aquifer, responsible for roughly two-thirds of the water consumed by South Floridians, sits directly under the Everglades. Host to a vast yet delicate ecosystem, the Everglades also acts as a natural water filter, most of which flows down from Lake Okeechobee in central Florida or comes by way of rainfall – about 60 inches of rain a year. Before the official sanctioning, specifically since 1916, the area was known as the Royal Palm State Park. Officially sanctioned in 1947, the Everglades National Park is the largest protected area this side of the Mississippi - that would be East of the Mississippi for those of you who are curious. The Florida Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the Southeastern United States, covering nearly 1.5 million acres of protected wetlands. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best-kept secrets tucked away in the mysteries of the Florida Everglades. Everything from unique and rare animals, plants, and birds to the beautiful pristine waters and stunning sunsets, it’s a wonder that more people don’t visit. ![]() Many of our residents have limited knowledge of the Everglades and all the magical things we might encounter when visiting. With so much to do in South Florida, it’s easy to miss the adventure that can be found in our very own backyard. We want to shed light on one of the hidden gems often overlooked by visitors and residents alike the Florida Everglades. But we’re not here to talk about the mainstream. What’s not to like? We have sunny skies, beautiful beaches, great food, and so much more. ![]() When thinking of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, there’s no doubt that Miami Florida comes to mind for many people.
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