Everglades 



NATIONAL PARK 



OPEN ALL YEAR 



This southernmost tip of the Florida mainland was estab- 

 lished as Everglades National Park on June 20, 1947, thus 

 assuring the preservation of its unique biological features in 

 their natural state for all time. Many people had contributed 

 their time and efforts to accomplish this goal. 



The park boundaries encompass more than 2,100 square 

 miles of land and water. This vast wilderness, blending 

 sea and sky in the distance, dips imperceptibly to the shallow 

 waters of Florida Bay on the south and to the Gulf of Mexico 

 on the west. 



Threshold to the Tropics 



In effect, Everglades is a mosaic of many interesting things, 

 each strongly influenced by the tropical climate. Plants of the 

 Temperate Zone meet plants of the Torrid Zone; fresh water 

 meets salt water; and land meets sea. The grasslands of the 

 true Everglades stretch across the horizon. Clusters of trees, 

 called hammocks, resemble islands in the open Everglades and 

 among the pines. Following the shorelines and growing upon 

 keys (islands) in open water, mangrove forests form almost 

 impenetrable thickets. 



Warmed by the sun and nourished by the waters, the area is 

 biologically fertile, supporting many interrelated forms of 

 plant and animal life under natural conditions. Outstanding 

 among the features of the park are the rookeries of birds. 



Park rangers will assist you and give you information on 

 what to see and do during your visit. The park naturalist 

 staff conducts programs and walks designed to give you a 

 better understanding of the wildlife, geology, plants, and his- 

 tory of the Everglades country. Schedules of these interpretive 

 services are available at all ranger stations. 



The National Park System, of which this park is a 

 unit, is dedicated to conserving the scenic, scientific, 

 and historic heritage of the United States for the 

 benefit and enjoyment of its people. 



The Winter Season 



Weather is normally pleasant and clear, with very little rain- 

 fall. Temperatures are often described as "about like June 

 up north," and people dress accordingly. However, brief cold 

 snaps do occur occasionally, sometimes bringing strong north- 

 erly winds and possibly frost. 



This dry season is the best time to see the abundant wildlife, 

 which tends to concentrate in sloughs, lakes, and other water 

 areas. Many of the large, spectacular wading birds — egrets, 

 ibis, herons, and roseate spoonbills — nest in their rookeries 

 during midwinter and early spring. Waterfowl and other bird 

 migrants from the north are in the park area. 



Practically all trees, shrubs, and other plants stay green all 

 winter, although the grasses and sedges of the Everglades take 

 on brownish hues. Fishing is good, as a rule, but it is variable. 

 Boating is generally good, but waters may become rough during 

 this season. 



The Summer Season 



The majestic clouds of summer, though they may produce 

 brief torrential showers, give a beauty to the landscape that you 

 would miss in the winter. Wildlife is distributed over wide 

 areas and is not so easily seen. Fishing is at its best, and the 



waters of the park are usually calmer than in winter. In the 

 summer, you should bring insect repellant with you, for the 

 pests can become bothersome. 



Overnight Accommodations , Picnicking, and Campiftg 



Overnight accommodations in the park are limited; there- 

 fore, you should make reservations well ahead of your visit in 

 order to insure having a place to stay. You may reserve your 

 accommodations by writing to Everglades Park Co., Inc., 

 cither at Flamingo, Fla., or at 3660 Coral Way, Miami 45, Fla. 

 Also, you may telephone this company at either Miami or 

 Everglades, Fla. 



You may picnic at Flamingo, where drinking fountains, 

 tables, charcoal burners, and restrooms are available; in the 

 Long Pine Key area, where there are tables and toilets; and at 

 Nine Mile Pond, where only picnic tables are provided. 



You may enjoy camping at an improved campground at 

 Flamingo; or you may prefer the less developed surroundings 

 at Long Pine Key. Camping space is obtained on a first-come 

 first-served basis and cannot be reserved. You may camp in 

 the back country, but you must first get a campfire permit at 

 park headquarters or at any ranger station. 



Housctrailers are permitted in the campgrounds; however, 

 electric, water, and sewer hookups are not available. 



The labyrinth at the mouth of Shark River. 



Koseaie spoonbills. Courtesy, F.S.N.B. 



If you plan an extended boat trip into park waters, you 

 should obtain the necessary charts before starting. It is well 

 to consult a park ranger and indicate your proposed route. 

 You may purchase U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey charts from 

 authorized dealers in Homestead, Miami, and Everglades. 



Boats for sightseeing and charter boats for fishing go out 

 from Flamingo and Everglades. These are carefully inspected 

 for safety by both Coast Guard personnel and park rangers. 

 Reservations are usually necessary during the peak of the winter 

 season. Names and addresses of authorized operators of 

 charter boats may be obtained at park headquarters. 



Food Service, Gasoline, and Miscellaneous Items 



At Flamingo, you will find modern dining facilities and 

 service stations for boats and cars. Also available at this 

 newly developed area are boat rentals, bait, store supplies, 

 and souvenirs. 



A general-delivery post office is operated at Flamingo. 



Help Us Protect the Park 



To accomplish our objectives of protecting and preserving 

 the wilderness, and to leave Everglades undisturbed for the 

 enjoyment of our own and future generations, we must have 

 park rules and regulations. 



Everglades National Park is a sanctuary for all wildlife. 

 Recent years of protection have made the wild creatures lose 

 much of their fear of man. Therefore, we ask that you 

 please not throw rocks or in any way attempt to disturb the 

 birds, alligators, or any form of wildlife. Hunting or the 

 use of firearms is strictly prohibited. Fishing is permitted 

 in accordance with State laws. 



