Everglades (Florida) — subtropical wetland of southern Florida

Ecology and hydrology

The landscape is characterized by shallow, slow-moving water and a mosaic of habitats that support diverse wildlife. Typical ecosystems include:

• sawgrass marshes and peat soils,
• mangrove fringes along tidal zones,
• freshwater sloughs and tree islands (hammocks),
• coastal estuaries and Florida Bay.

These habitats sustain wading birds, alligators, manatees and a range of fish and invertebrates; upland edges can host the endangered Florida panther. The hydrology—seasonal rainfall and overland flow from inland waters—shapes vegetation patterns and animal movements.

History and human impact

Indigenous peoples inhabited parts of the Everglades for millennia. European colonization, 19th- and 20th-century drainage projects, agricultural expansion and urban growth altered natural water flows. Canals, levees and water-control structures were built for flood control and land development, reducing the extent and function of historic wetlands.

Threats and conservation

The Everglades faces multiple pressures: altered freshwater flow, nutrient pollution from farms, invasive species, sea-level rise and continued development. National and state efforts, including large-scale restoration plans, aim to restore more natural flow patterns, reduce pollution and improve habitat connectivity. Conservation combines science, engineering and policy to balance human needs and ecosystem recovery.

Importance and uses

The Everglades is important for biodiversity, regional water supply, recreation and cultural values. It supports tourism, fishing and scientific research, and plays a role in buffering storm impacts. Continued restoration and stewardship are central to preserving these values for future generations.

Notable facts: The Everglades is one of the largest remaining subtropical wildernesses in the United States and a global example of complex wetland restoration challenges.