JUL 11 2013 

BY JULIA

The only Everglades in the world are Florida’s Everglades. Knowing this point puts a different perspective on realizing the effects metropolitan man has had on them over the last century. Much has been bulldozed and built upon. The ecosystem is also effected by the artificial segregation of its waterways for highway builds and water usage.

Why should this be a problem? It is for many reasons, in particular as it is home to some of the rarest endangered species in the U.S.A., including the West Indian Manatee, American Crocodile, Eastern Indigo Snake and about 20 others. The Everglades are also a main stopover for the world’s migrating birds, and it is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western hemisphere.

Canoeing on Waters of Everglades National Park by XplorMor

XplorMor Team recently ventured to Everglades National Park. We were excited to visit this subtropical land in our backyard, to paddle its waterways and spy its unique wildlife. There are many ways to explore the park from paddling canoes or kayaks, to eco-boat tours to walking trails and board walks, to wildlife viewing stations just off the road. There’s something for every type of enthusiast.

The Only Everglades, an XplorMor Expedition into the Florida Everglades

The Everglades, also aptly known as “River of Grass”, are home to many species of birds. We observed Double Breasted Cormorants, various egrets and vultures, and a Red-Shouldered Hawk, among others. There was also a Southern Black Racer winding through the tall grasses, and Soft Shell Turtles swimming amid waterlilies, numerous skinks, a Southern Leopard Frog, and most spectacularly an up close encounter with the rarely seen American Crocodile!

The Only Everglades, an XplorMor Expedition into the Florida Everglades

Read more and watch the XplorMor Everglades National Park slide shows, including Shark Valley, Flamingo Area and Everglades City to Ten Thousand Islands. And, explore more of the park through the National Park Service.

Explore more XplorMor World Wide Photographic and Terrain Expeditions, and delve deeper into the journey through Xplorer Journals written by our team and guest contributors. These are first-hand accounts from the expeditions, offering tips, insights and stunning photography. Then discover our web and print ready images to enhance your publications.

Please contact us for your future expeditions and worldwide explorations. No project is too big or too small!