With the support of many early conservationists, scientists, and other advocates, Everglades National Park was established in 1947 to conserve the natural landscape of southern Florida and prevent further degradation of its land, plants, and animals. Since then, it has been touted as one of the great biological wonders of the world. Covering 1.5 million acres, it is the third-largest park in the national parks system. Made up of sawgrass prairies, mangrove swamps, subtropical jungles, and the warm waters of Florida Bay, it is home to a rare community of plants and endangered animals. Taking center stage is the diverse array of animals. Thriving amid a verdant, expansive wetland, the wildlife ranges from the tiniest grass frog to the largest American crocodile. Life from the Caribbean tropics coexists with more familiar species from temperate North America. To be sure, the Everglades is not the proverbial swamp many people consider it to be, but instead is technically a river, leisurely flowing southwest at about a quarter-mile per day. Visitors can enjoy self-guided and ranger-led tours and activities from the main center at the park's entrance, or journey deeper into the Everglades for a more extensive experience in the Florida wilderness.

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