Florida Everglades by Macie Whalen

History of the Everglades

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The Everglades were formed as water flowed from the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee. This created an area of shallow water perfect for a diverse habitat filled with over 350 plant and animal species.

In the 1900s water in the Everglades was rerouted, using dams and pumps which resulted in half of the original wetlands being drained. This results in a increase of toxins and algae blooms amongst waterways.

In order to combat the draining of the Everglades and restore the original flow of water the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was created. This multi faceted approach takes into consideration water supply, climate change and the ecosystem.

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Species of the Everglades

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Wetlands

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Wetlands are a vital part of an aquatic ecosystem as they filter out toxins from the water as well as providing a diverse habitat for wildlife. Wetlands are filled with food sources for various species, resulting in a great environment for reproduction. Wetlands can also act as a flood plain and help prevent erosion of riverbanks. This is particularly valuable in the Everglades when hurricanes occur.

Ecological Benefits

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The Everglades have an ecological importance to the environment in Florida. By establishing a strong riverbank and wetland area the everglades helps protect the natural community from disaster's like hurricanes, tropical storms and, tornados. It also filters out the toxins in waterways, allowing for clean water to be accessible to aquatic species. With the United States becoming more and more populated, and Florida especially the Everglades is a crucial space for plant and animal species to exist safely.

Economical Benefits

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The Everglades provides many economical benefits to the state of Florida. The boating & fishing industry within the Everglades results in billions of dollars in revenue each year. It also increases jobs by creating postion's in environmental restoration, park maintenance and amenities, as well as tourist attraction's. The Everglades helps keep Florida water's clean which influences outdoor recreation and real estate within the state.

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Essential Water Supply

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The everglades supply water for more than 8 million residents in Florida. This is an huge source for both drinking water and for agricultural use. If the Everglades ever were to run out of water, Florida would experience a significant water crisis. This is why maintaining and restoring the Everglades is so important to not only the ecosystem but to human life as well.

Work's Cited

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“Animals - Everglades National Park (U.S.” National Park Service, 13 October 2017, https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/animals.htm. Accessed 28 March 2024.

“Everglades Economy.” The Everglades Foundation | Everglades Economy | Florida, https://www.evergladeseconomy.org/. Accessed 28 March 2024.

“Everglades National Park | Location, History, & Facts.” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Everglades-National-Park. Accessed 28 March 2024.

“History & Culture - Everglades National Park (U.S.” National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/historyculture/index.htm. Accessed 28 March 2024.

“Our Everglades, Our Water.” Audubon Florida, https://fl.audubon.org/sites/default/files/our_everglades_our_water_fact_sheet.pdf. Accessed 28 March 2024.

“Restoring the Everglades.” National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/features/ever/climatechange/ever705/. Accessed 28 March 2024.

Sadle, Jimi. “Plants - Everglades National Park (U.S.” National Park Service, 31 May 2022, https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/plants.htm. Accessed 28 March 2024.

“What is a wetland?” NOAA's National Ocean Service, 18 January 2024, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/wetland.html. Accessed 28 March 2024.

“Your Water Comes From The Everglades.” The Everglades Foundation, https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/water. Accessed 28 March 2024.

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