From its sawgrass marshes and freshwater wetlands to its prairies and forested uplands, America’s Everglades is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that is found nowhere else in the world.

DID YOU KNOW: In celebration of Everglades Day, the South Florida Water Management District (District) is highlighting this extraordinary ecosystem and the continued efforts to protect and restore it.

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S EVERGLADES: Everglades Day is recognized on April 7 each year to celebrate this iconic River of Grass. This day also honors Marjory Stoneman Douglas on her birthday while emphasizing the importance of conserving and protecting this subtropical wilderness. 

SUBTROPICAL WILDERNESS: Renowned for its wading birds and wildlife, the Everglades is home to dozens of federally threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther, American crocodile, snail kite and wood stork.

The River of Grass is a mosaic of sawgrass marshes, freshwater wetlands, prairies and forested uplands that supports a rich plant and wildlife community.

ENJOY THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE EVERGLADES: As we celebrate Everglades Day, we are showcasing some interesting facts about this national treasure and the ways we can all enjoy its natural beauty. Sights include:

Enjoy a Birds Eye View: Shark Valley's 70-foot observation tower provides wonderful views of the sweeping Everglades ecosystem.

Watch for Birds and Wildlife: Discover over 300 bird species and watch for wildlife that call this ecosystem home. The mix of salt and fresh water makes the Everglades the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side.

Watch the Sunset: Located at the southernmost point in mainland Florida, Flamingo offers beautiful sunsets! The area around the Flamingo Visitor Center also provides campground facilities, a public boat ramp, a marina store, and other hiking and canoeing trails.

 Paddle Amongst the Mangroves: Nine Mile Pond in Everglades National Park offers canoeing and kayaking. This scenic trail passes through shallow grassy marsh with scattered mangrove islands.

Enjoy Activities for Everyone: Everglades National Park is the third largest park in the lower 48 states, covering 2,400 square miles! The diverse habitat allows for a wide variety of recreational activities.

PROTECTING THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND ECOSYSTEM: Ensuring the restoration and protection of the Everglades benefits all of us. The District is working closely with local, state, federal and tribal partners to achieve restoration goals and protect this national treasure – now and for future generations.

We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Restoration to learn more.