June 19, 2024 • 23 mins
Join us as we discuss Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. We cover the history, travel tips and more.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
I'm Abigail.
Keith (00:01):
And I'm Keith.
Abigail (00:02):
And you're listening to The Global Treasures Podcast.
We'll cover different WorldHeritage Sites each episode.
Keith (00:12):
These sites have been identified as having outstanding universal value
Abigail (00:16):
because they have cultural and or natural significance that is
so exceptional that it transcendsnational boundaries and is of
importance to present and generations.
Keith (00:26):
There are 1, 199 sites in 168 countries across the world, with
more being added every single year.
Abigail (00:35):
We'll spend each episode exploring the history, legends,
travel tips, and so much more.
Keith (00:41):
Welcome to Season 2, where we will explore the 45
sites that UNESCO added in 1979.
Abigail (00:48):
If you would like to support the show, you can subscribe
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, orwherever you get your podcasts.
You can also check us outon YouTube and TikTok.
In this episode, Keith and I will beintroducing you to Everglades National
Park in the state of Florida, which islocated in the United States of America.
Keith (01:09):
Deep in the southern tip of Florida lies a vast, watery
wilderness, the Everglades NationalPark, spanning a staggering 1.
5 million acres.
With 1.
4 million acres designated as UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, this park protects
about 20 percent of the originalEverglades ecosystem in the state.
(01:29):
It actually stands as the third largestnational park in the contiguous United
States, surpassed only by the grandeursof Death Valley and Yellowstone.
And just a quick note, if you wantto learn more about Yellowstone,
check out Season 1 Episode 12.
The Everglades is truly a crown jewel.
Hailed as the largest designatedsubtropical wilderness reserve on
(01:50):
the North American continent andthe largest wilderness of any kind
east of the Mississippi River.
Its unique landscape has beenpoetically described as a river
of grass flowing imperceptiblyfrom the hinterland to the sea.
Within this vast expanse, a remarkableconvergence of subtropical and
temperate wildlife species thrives.
(02:12):
Found nowhere else in the United States.
The majority of South Florida's freshwater, stored in the Biscayne Aquifer,
is recharged right here in the park.
It is a juncture where fresh andbrackish waters meet, fed by a network
of wetlands and forests, nourished bya river that flows a mere quarter mile
per day from Lake Okeechobee, meanderingsouthwest over towards Florida Bay.
Abigail (02:38):
The Everglades boasts the largest mangrove ecosystem in the
Western Hemisphere and the largestcontinuous stand of sawgrass prairie.
Its exceptional variety of water habitatsis truly awe inspiring, encompassing
vast subtropical wetlands, freshwatermarshes, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine
(03:01):
rocklands, extensive mangrove forests.
saltwater marshes, and seagrassecosystems that are vital to
commercial and recreational fisheries.
Keith (03:12):
This sanctuary is a haven for remarkable diversity of bird
and reptile species, serving as themost significant breeding ground
for wading birds in North America.
It provides a safe haven for threatenedspecies like the manatee, and its complex
biological processes showcase an intricatefood chain from basic algal associations
(03:33):
up through progressively higherspecies culminating in apex predators
such as the alligator, crocodile,and the elusive Florida panther.
The geological origins of thisremarkable landscape can be traced
back eons, when Florida was actuallyonce part of the African portion
of the supercontinent Gondwana.
(03:53):
After separating from that ancientlandmass, the shallow marine environment
allowed for massive deposits ofcalcium carbonate in the form of sand,
shells, and coral to accumulate andthen be converted into limestone.
Tiny bits of shell, sand, andbryozoans compressed over multiple
layers, forming structures calledooids that created a permeable
(04:15):
condition ideal for holding water.
The Everglades rests upon this vast,nearly flat seabed that was submerged
at the end of the last ice age.
Though appearing level at first glance,the limestone bedrock is subtly punctuated
by slight rises, called pinnacles,and depressions caused by erosion.
The amount of water present throughoutthe year determines which two types
(04:38):
of soil would dominate, peet createdby years of decaying plant matter
and flooding for over nine monthsannually, sometimes even full years.
Or marl, a grayish mud resultingfrom dried chunks of algae and
microorganisms in areas flooded forsix months or less throughout the year.
This limestone substrate is one of themost active areas of modern carbonate
(05:01):
sedimentation on the entire earth.
No underground springs feedwater into the Everglades.
Instead, an immense underground reservoircalled the Floridan Aquifer lies about
a thousand feet below the surface.
The Everglades permeable limestonegrants it an immense capacity
for this water storage, withmost water arriving as rainfall.
(05:22):
Evaporation from the Everglades evenbrings rain over metropolitan areas,
providing fresh water for the region.
So, water overflows from Lake Okeechobeeinto a river that's as wide as 70
miles, moving at an imperceptiblyslow pace as it meanders through the
River of Grass towards Florida Bay.
This vast river of grass that carvesits path through the Everglades
(05:46):
is no ordinary watercourse.
It flows not over soil or rocklike most rivers, but atop the
porous limestone foundation thatunderlies this entire ecosystem.
This limestone acts like a giganticnatural filter and a reservoir, absorbing,
storing, and slowly re releasing the waterthat is the lifeblood of the Everglades.
Abigail (06:07):
The complex dance between water and limestone has
created an astounding variety ofmicrohabitats across the Everglades.
Shrimp, sawgrass, mangroves,
orchids and alligators all owe theirexistence to the finely balanced
interactions between fresh andsaltwater, flooded and dry conditions
(06:30):
enabled by this complex geological gem.
Keith (06:34):
From the sawgrass marshes in the north, through the mangrove
forests of the coastal estuaries,This is a true liquid landscape.
With water levels fluctuating over just afew precious feet in elevation, the entire
ecosystem ebbs and flows in time withthe seasonal rains and drought cycles.
Within this watery wilderness thrivesan incredible diversity of life.
(06:55):
Carefully adapted to the rhythms of floodand drought, the Everglades provides
a vital habitat for 36 threatenedor protected species, including that
elusive Florida panther, the resilientAmerican crocodile, and the , gentle,
lumbering West Indian manatee.
The park is actually an avian paradise,hosting over 350 species of birds.
(07:17):
From the spectacular displays ofnesting roseate spoonbills and great
blue herons, to the acrobatic swoops ofwhite crowned pigeons, this subtropical
wetland is one of the most significantbird refuges on the entire continent.
Beneath the surface of the shallow marshesand muddy banks, over 300 species of fresh
and saltwater fish call this park home.
(07:39):
including species like theendangered small toothed sawfish.
The waterways harbor a kaleidoscope ofbiodiversity, with 40 species of mammals
like the marsh rabbit and the riverotter and 50 reptilian species such as
the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
The landscape we know today asthe Everglades is a is remarkably
young in geological terms.
(08:00):
The Florida peninsula itself onlyemerged above sea level between about
100, 000 and 150, 000 years ago.
As the Wisconsin Ice Age drew toa close and sea levels rose, Lake
Okeechobee began flooding thesurrounding wetlands, creating that
vast river of grass I spoke about.
Among the first human inhabitantswere the Tequesta and Calusa tribes
(08:21):
dating back 10, 000 to 20, 000 years.
With only soft limestone to work with,these resourceful natives crafted tools
from shells, bones, wood and sharpenedshark teeth that served as blades.
Though their numbers may havereached 20, 000 by the late 1500s,
unfortunately disease, warfare, andslavery brought about their eradication,
(08:42):
leaving only scattered shell moundsas evidence of their existence.
The wetlands we know today began takingshape about 5, 000 years ago, when
peat deposits show regular floodingoccurred south of Lake Okeechobee.
Tropical plant species migrated downfrom northern Florida, while tropical
species arrived as seeds in the pouchesof birds from the Caribbean islands.
(09:04):
In the early 19th century, displaced,creeks, escaped African slaves, and other
Native American groups formed the SeminoleNation here, making this unforgiven,
yet, sheltering wilderness their home.
After the Seminole Wars, a few hundredhunters and scouts remained in the
Big Cypress area, establishing theMiccosukee and modern Seminole tribes
(09:25):
whose lives remained intertwinedwith the Everglades for generations.
As American settlers pushed further southin the late 1800s, plans were hatched
to drain the Everglades for development.
Communities like the ChokoloskeeIsland and Flamingo established
outposts on the dry grounds.
The Tamiami Trail, begun in1928, opened up the interior
(09:48):
Everglades like never before.
Abigail (09:51):
Even as the 20th century ushered in more construction projects,
diverting water for agriculturaland urban use, A growing voice
called to preserve the Everglades.
The 1916 creation of Royal Palm StatePark to protect Paradise Key was
an early victory, followed by theestablishment of Everglades National
(10:12):
Park in 1934 to rescue the Riverof Grass from vanishing entirely.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas's 1947 book,The Everglades, River of Grass, Helped
bring in national support and the park'sofficial dedication that December stood
in stark contrast to the canal buildingfrenzy unfolding across southern Florida.
(10:37):
For decades, the battle raged betweenconservationists hoping to preserve
the Everglades fragile ecosystems anddevelopers hungry to drain more wetlands.
A proposed airport that could havedestroyed huge swaths of the park was
finally abandoned in 1972, and landmarklegislation later that decade saw the
(11:00):
Everglades earn the highest protections.
It was designated a UNESCOBiosphere Reserve in 1976.
A world heritage site in1979, and a wetland of
international importance in 1987.
Keith (11:15):
The 1989 Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion
Act added 171 square miles tothe eastern side of Everglades.
While also banning airboats inthe park, this set the stage for
a massive re plumbing effort.
In 2000, United States Congress approvedthe Comprehensive Everglades Restoration
Plan, or CERP, which was an ambitious8 billion dollar undertaking aiming to
(11:40):
re establish the natural water flow.
CERP has remained controversial.
Critics argue that it subsidizesfurther damaging development,
overlooks water quality issues andrelies on uncertain technologies
that delay environmental benefits.
Supporters like the NationalAudubon Society commend CERP's
integrated approach to undoingdecades of hydrological destruction.
(12:03):
Whether or not CERP ultimately succeedsremains to be seen, but the story of the
Everglades is one of resilience againstnearly being erased by human ambition.
From the departure of its originalinhabitants to the 20th century onslaught
of human engineering run amok, this vastwatery wilderness has developed an uncanny
knack for survival and rejuvenation.
Abigail (12:25):
Perhaps the Everglades greatest restoration still lies ahead, a return to
the intricate splendor of natural rhythms.
As one of the world's most celebratedwetlands and an international
dark sky park, the River of Grasscontinues inspiring all who bear
witness to its subtle beauty.
While the Everglades story is one ofresilience against human ambition,
(12:49):
it's also a tale filled with amusinganecdotes and jaw dropping facts.
Here's some factoids that'llmake you smarter than the
average tourist when you visit.
For instance, did you know thisvast wetland wilderness, is one
of the largest in the world?
Yet only half the size it used to be?
It contains the largest protectedcontiguous stand of mangrove forests
(13:13):
in the entire northern hemisphere.
So vast are these mazes that onecould easily get turned around
and lost in them for days on end.
Keith (13:22):
And speaking of prospects that unnerve, the Everglades is
the only place on Earth whereyou'll find American alligators and
crocodiles coexisting in the wild.
I can't imagine coming face to facewith both these species of apex
predator on the same excursion.
It's kind of enough to make eventhe most avid reptile enthusiast
feel a little shiver of caution.
(13:42):
Sadly, however, humans haveintroduced our own dangerous predator.
The Burmese Python.
These invasive constrictors,likely all escaped or released pets
originally, have established a breedingpopulation that is wreaking havoc.
Some scientists have estimatedpythons have caused a 90 to 99 percent
drop in small mammal populations.
(14:03):
The fight is on to control theirspread before more damage is done.
And while the pythons spellpotential trouble, there are less
threatening yet no less entertainingcharacters in the Everglades.
It's 80 plus mosquito species, butdon't worry, not all of them dine on
human blood, but those that do serve asexcellent motivation to pick up a bunch of
(14:24):
insect repellent before you go and visit.
For all its inhospitable pests and roamingreptiles though, the Everglades provides
the precious gift of water that actuallysustains over 8 million Floridians.
This vast river of grass, soevocatively dubbed by conservationists
Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, is anecosystem hydraulic engine supporting
(14:44):
a massive human population.
So whether you find the Evergladescharming or chilling, sublimely
beautiful or substantially important,one thing is certain, it's a place of
unparalleled superlatives and eye openingrevelations around every sawgrass bend.
Let's talk about how to get there.
(15:05):
And maybe some tips and tricksto make your trip unforgettable.
Abigail, this is yoursection, what'd you find out?
Abigail (15:11):
Okay, it's travel time.
So you'll want to fly into MiamiInternational Airport, which is
the major airport in the area.
In terms of getting into the park itself,you have to pay for an entrance pass.
Digital passes can bepurchased in advance online.
There are discounts availablefor seniors and those living with
(15:32):
disabilities, but the regularly pricedpasses are pretty inexpensive as is.
Keith (15:37):
Are there different types of passes and tours available?
Abigail (15:40):
Yeah.
If you plan on going to other nationalparks throughout the year, you may want
to get an America the Beautiful pass.
So some of the different typesof guided tours available include
tram tours, educational tours viathe Everglades Institute, airboat
tours, photography tours, and more.
(16:01):
Some are conducted by park rangers,while some are led by authorized
tour guides or companies that arepermitted by the Park Service.
You can go on the National ParkService site to find a list of vetted,
legitimate tour companies and guides.
A note about the weather.
From May to October, There may be lotsof rain, and it's very hot and humid.
(16:23):
Think 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above,so make sure you dress appropriately.
Keith (16:28):
Yeah, you're not kidding.
I've been to Floridamany times in the summer.
It can be brutal as far as weather.
Alright, so you spoke about the Americaof the Beautiful Pass, and with that
in mind, What are you recommendingbundling with this site for those
who don't want a trip to Disney orUniversal Studios or even Miami?
Abigail (16:45):
Interesting you bring up Miami.
So, a lot of people stay in the city ofHomestead, which has some hotel options.
However, Miami really is the place to be.
They have hundreds of hotels,thousands of really nice
restaurants to check out as well.
And if you love the beach or loveto party, Miami is a great pit
(17:07):
stop that's only an hour away.
If you want to stay in the parkproper, you can go glamping on site.
And side note, Everglades City alsohosts the annual Seafood Festival.
Which gets over 50, 000visitors annually on average.
Keith (17:26):
Glamping.
Glamorous camping.
Think half a million dollar RVs andfully stocked quote unquote cabins.
So with that in mind, how manyvisitors does the park get each year?
Abigail (17:37):
About a million.
Keith (17:38):
Yeah, a million.
That makes sense consideringhow important this site is.
Alright, let's segue to theconspiracy theories and urban
legends section of the episode.
This is a national park, sothere's already a ton to consider.
What else did you dig upother than the normal stuff?
Abigail (17:54):
Well, as always, this is a national park.
And you know what that meansif you've listened to previous
episodes, but if not, I'll recap.
So, many people believe that nationalparks are dumping grounds for serial
killers operating in the area becausethey tend to be wooded or secluded and
have animals that'll eat their remains.
(18:16):
The Everglades is definitely not anexception, given the alligator population.
Over the years, police, tourists, andresidents Have come across grizzly
bodies that were disposed of ina gruesome way in the Everglades.
Bodies that have been shot,stabbed, or burned, and have
all been found in the water.
(18:37):
And many of these caseshave been left unsolved.
Part of the reason is bodies beingsubmerged in water for long durations
causes several changes due totemperatures, currents, and interactions
with animals such as alligators.
Since 1965, there have been morethan 175 unsolved cases in the
(18:58):
Everglades, and those are only thebodies that have actually been found.
Keith (19:03):
Yikes.
Um, this is definitely part of thenational parks that I don't like.
So how about the supernaturalstuff or legends, I'm guessing
ghosts, aliens, anything like that?
Abigail (19:13):
Yes.
And I would just add that while wecan't prove that there's a serial
killer operating in the area,you should definitely be careful
and consider not going alone.
So the next on the rosteris a ghostly legend.
There was a plantation owner andserial killer by the name of Edgar
Watson, who was gunned down in theswamplands of the Everglades by
(19:36):
the Chokoloskee townsfolk in 1910.
Watson murdered many of his blackservants and would kill anyone
who was trespassing on his land.
Per some tourists, Watsonnever left Rabbit Key.
The island within theEverglades where he was killed.
There's a nearby museum that'sreported bizarre occurrences
(19:57):
of poltergeist like activity.
Staff and guests have reportedmotion detectors going off randomly.
Shadows lurking through the general storeafter hours have been noted as well.
If I visit the park in the future, I thinkI'll be staying away from Rabbit Key.
But, if you're a ghost hunter,this might be the place for you.
Keith (20:18):
Yep, as usual, that's pretty creepy.
Nice job on that.
Alright, so let's transitionto the preservation piece.
I know in my research that thishas been a pretty charged issue,
and there are several sides to thework of preserving the Everglades.
I also know, as I mentionedbefore, that there's some
invasive species wreaking havoc.
So what are the government, localfolks, and international groups
(20:39):
doing to preserve this gem?
Abigail (20:41):
Well, like you said, there are some issues faced keeping this park safe.
This includes issues relatedto water quality and changes
to distribution of inflows thathave also been well documented.
And these have had serious impacts onthe native wildlife and vegetation.
So, since the 1800s, water diversionsand flood control projects have
(21:05):
severed the flow of water betweendifferent parts of the Everglades.
And areas of land were convertedinto residential areas.
Water is diverted in upstream areasto provide flood protection and a
reliable water supply for the expandingpopulation in southern Florida.
In the northern wetlands of the park,reduced inflows have caused a loss that is
(21:29):
required to support the fish and aquaticlife, as well as the bird populations.
Increased salinity in Florida Bay dueto reduced freshwater has contributed
to changes in submerged aquaticvegetation, declines in certain types
of fish, and the spread of algal blooms.
(21:50):
The park is also experiencing theintroduction of non native species,
which you may have heard about on thenews, including the Burmese python,
which is proliferated in the park.
This disrupts the natural predator preydynamic and can be dangerous for tourists
who may be attacked by these animals.
Also, loss of organic soil acrosspark habitats due to wildfires and
(22:15):
other factors occurred during andafter the major elements of the water
management system were constructedbetween in the early to mid 1900s.
Although hurricanes are naturallyoccurring in this region, these
uncontrollable storms can damagethe already strained ecosystem.
All of that said, there is a multibillion dollar restoration plan in
(22:39):
place, so I believe much of this can bestopped in its tracks or even reversed.
I have high hopes for this park,and highly recommend visiting
if you're in the Sunshine State.
Keith (22:51):
All right.
Well, let's hope that this fragileand incredibly important system
can be saved and even brought back.
All right.
So thanks so much for listening to anotherepisode of the Global Treasures Podcast.
Just a quick note about our show,Abigail and I truly believe in
what we're doing here to spreadthe word of these UNESCO sites,
and simply love sharing this with you.
(23:11):
If you also think this isimportant, kindly consider leaving
us a 5 star written review withmaybe a message saying why.
This helps others who may not evenknow about the UNESCO's Program
of World Heritage Sites find thispodcast and learn of these treasures.
It also lets our providersknow that people find value
in what we're doing here.
Thank you.
We know it takes time to write these,and we value each and every one.
(23:35):
We're so grateful to every oneof our listeners who spread
the word about these sites.
We can't wait to see you next time, whenwe take you to Fasil Gebbi in Ethiopia.
I'm Abigail.
Keith (00:01):
And I'm Keith.
Abigail (00:02):
And you're listening to The Global Treasures Podcast.
We'll cover different WorldHeritage Sites each episode.
Keith (00:12):
These sites have been identified as having outstanding universal value
Abigail (00:16):
because they have cultural and or natural significance that is
so exceptional that it transcendsnational boundaries and is of
importance to present and generations.
Keith (00:26):
There are 1, 199 sites in 168 countries across the world, with
more being added every single year.
Abigail (00:35):
We'll spend each episode exploring the history, legends,
travel tips, and so much more.
Keith (00:41):
Welcome to Season 2, where we will explore the 45
sites that UNESCO added in 1979.
Abigail (00:48):
If you would like to support the show, you can subscribe
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, orwherever you get your podcasts.
You can also check us outon YouTube and TikTok.
In this episode, Keith and I will beintroducing you to Everglades National
Park in the state of Florida, which islocated in the United States of America.
Keith (01:09):
Deep in the southern tip of Florida lies a vast, watery
wilderness, the Everglades NationalPark, spanning a staggering 1.
5 million acres.
With 1.
4 million acres designated as UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, this park protects
about 20 percent of the originalEverglades ecosystem in the state.
(01:29):
It actually stands as the third largestnational park in the contiguous United
States, surpassed only by the grandeursof Death Valley and Yellowstone.
And just a quick note, if you wantto learn more about Yellowstone,
check out Season 1 Episode 12.
The Everglades is truly a crown jewel.
Hailed as the largest designatedsubtropical wilderness reserve on
(01:50):
the North American continent andthe largest wilderness of any kind
east of the Mississippi River.
Its unique landscape has beenpoetically described as a river
of grass flowing imperceptiblyfrom the hinterland to the sea.
Within this vast expanse, a remarkableconvergence of subtropical and
temperate wildlife species thrives.
(02:12):
Found nowhere else in the United States.
The majority of South Florida's freshwater, stored in the Biscayne Aquifer,
is recharged right here in the park.
It is a juncture where fresh andbrackish waters meet, fed by a network
of wetlands and forests, nourished bya river that flows a mere quarter mile
per day from Lake Okeechobee, meanderingsouthwest over towards Florida Bay.
Abigail (02:38):
The Everglades boasts the largest mangrove ecosystem in the
Western Hemisphere and the largestcontinuous stand of sawgrass prairie.
Its exceptional variety of water habitatsis truly awe inspiring, encompassing
vast subtropical wetlands, freshwatermarshes, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine
(03:01):
rocklands, extensive mangrove forests.
saltwater marshes, and seagrassecosystems that are vital to
commercial and recreational fisheries.
Keith (03:12):
This sanctuary is a haven for remarkable diversity of bird
and reptile species, serving as themost significant breeding ground
for wading birds in North America.
It provides a safe haven for threatenedspecies like the manatee, and its complex
biological processes showcase an intricatefood chain from basic algal associations
(03:33):
up through progressively higherspecies culminating in apex predators
such as the alligator, crocodile,and the elusive Florida panther.
The geological origins of thisremarkable landscape can be traced
back eons, when Florida was actuallyonce part of the African portion
of the supercontinent Gondwana.
(03:53):
After separating from that ancientlandmass, the shallow marine environment
allowed for massive deposits ofcalcium carbonate in the form of sand,
shells, and coral to accumulate andthen be converted into limestone.
Tiny bits of shell, sand, andbryozoans compressed over multiple
layers, forming structures calledooids that created a permeable
(04:15):
condition ideal for holding water.
The Everglades rests upon this vast,nearly flat seabed that was submerged
at the end of the last ice age.
Though appearing level at first glance,the limestone bedrock is subtly punctuated
by slight rises, called pinnacles,and depressions caused by erosion.
The amount of water present throughoutthe year determines which two types
(04:38):
of soil would dominate, peet createdby years of decaying plant matter
and flooding for over nine monthsannually, sometimes even full years.
Or marl, a grayish mud resultingfrom dried chunks of algae and
microorganisms in areas flooded forsix months or less throughout the year.
This limestone substrate is one of themost active areas of modern carbonate
(05:01):
sedimentation on the entire earth.
No underground springs feedwater into the Everglades.
Instead, an immense underground reservoircalled the Floridan Aquifer lies about
a thousand feet below the surface.
The Everglades permeable limestonegrants it an immense capacity
for this water storage, withmost water arriving as rainfall.
(05:22):
Evaporation from the Everglades evenbrings rain over metropolitan areas,
providing fresh water for the region.
So, water overflows from Lake Okeechobeeinto a river that's as wide as 70
miles, moving at an imperceptiblyslow pace as it meanders through the
River of Grass towards Florida Bay.
This vast river of grass that carvesits path through the Everglades
(05:46):
is no ordinary watercourse.
It flows not over soil or rocklike most rivers, but atop the
porous limestone foundation thatunderlies this entire ecosystem.
This limestone acts like a giganticnatural filter and a reservoir, absorbing,
storing, and slowly re releasing the waterthat is the lifeblood of the Everglades.
Abigail (06:07):
The complex dance between water and limestone has
created an astounding variety ofmicrohabitats across the Everglades.
Shrimp, sawgrass, mangroves,
orchids and alligators all owe theirexistence to the finely balanced
interactions between fresh andsaltwater, flooded and dry conditions
(06:30):
enabled by this complex geological gem.
Keith (06:34):
From the sawgrass marshes in the north, through the mangrove
forests of the coastal estuaries,This is a true liquid landscape.
With water levels fluctuating over just afew precious feet in elevation, the entire
ecosystem ebbs and flows in time withthe seasonal rains and drought cycles.
Within this watery wilderness thrivesan incredible diversity of life.
(06:55):
Carefully adapted to the rhythms of floodand drought, the Everglades provides
a vital habitat for 36 threatenedor protected species, including that
elusive Florida panther, the resilientAmerican crocodile, and the , gentle,
lumbering West Indian manatee.
The park is actually an avian paradise,hosting over 350 species of birds.
(07:17):
From the spectacular displays ofnesting roseate spoonbills and great
blue herons, to the acrobatic swoops ofwhite crowned pigeons, this subtropical
wetland is one of the most significantbird refuges on the entire continent.
Beneath the surface of the shallow marshesand muddy banks, over 300 species of fresh
and saltwater fish call this park home.
(07:39):
including species like theendangered small toothed sawfish.
The waterways harbor a kaleidoscope ofbiodiversity, with 40 species of mammals
like the marsh rabbit and the riverotter and 50 reptilian species such as
the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
The landscape we know today asthe Everglades is a is remarkably
young in geological terms.
(08:00):
The Florida peninsula itself onlyemerged above sea level between about
100, 000 and 150, 000 years ago.
As the Wisconsin Ice Age drew toa close and sea levels rose, Lake
Okeechobee began flooding thesurrounding wetlands, creating that
vast river of grass I spoke about.
Among the first human inhabitantswere the Tequesta and Calusa tribes
(08:21):
dating back 10, 000 to 20, 000 years.
With only soft limestone to work with,these resourceful natives crafted tools
from shells, bones, wood and sharpenedshark teeth that served as blades.
Though their numbers may havereached 20, 000 by the late 1500s,
unfortunately disease, warfare, andslavery brought about their eradication,
(08:42):
leaving only scattered shell moundsas evidence of their existence.
The wetlands we know today began takingshape about 5, 000 years ago, when
peat deposits show regular floodingoccurred south of Lake Okeechobee.
Tropical plant species migrated downfrom northern Florida, while tropical
species arrived as seeds in the pouchesof birds from the Caribbean islands.
(09:04):
In the early 19th century, displaced,creeks, escaped African slaves, and other
Native American groups formed the SeminoleNation here, making this unforgiven,
yet, sheltering wilderness their home.
After the Seminole Wars, a few hundredhunters and scouts remained in the
Big Cypress area, establishing theMiccosukee and modern Seminole tribes
(09:25):
whose lives remained intertwinedwith the Everglades for generations.
As American settlers pushed further southin the late 1800s, plans were hatched
to drain the Everglades for development.
Communities like the ChokoloskeeIsland and Flamingo established
outposts on the dry grounds.
The Tamiami Trail, begun in1928, opened up the interior
(09:48):
Everglades like never before.
Abigail (09:51):
Even as the 20th century ushered in more construction projects,
diverting water for agriculturaland urban use, A growing voice
called to preserve the Everglades.
The 1916 creation of Royal Palm StatePark to protect Paradise Key was
an early victory, followed by theestablishment of Everglades National
(10:12):
Park in 1934 to rescue the Riverof Grass from vanishing entirely.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas's 1947 book,The Everglades, River of Grass, Helped
bring in national support and the park'sofficial dedication that December stood
in stark contrast to the canal buildingfrenzy unfolding across southern Florida.
(10:37):
For decades, the battle raged betweenconservationists hoping to preserve
the Everglades fragile ecosystems anddevelopers hungry to drain more wetlands.
A proposed airport that could havedestroyed huge swaths of the park was
finally abandoned in 1972, and landmarklegislation later that decade saw the
(11:00):
Everglades earn the highest protections.
It was designated a UNESCOBiosphere Reserve in 1976.
A world heritage site in1979, and a wetland of
international importance in 1987.
Keith (11:15):
The 1989 Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion
Act added 171 square miles tothe eastern side of Everglades.
While also banning airboats inthe park, this set the stage for
a massive re plumbing effort.
In 2000, United States Congress approvedthe Comprehensive Everglades Restoration
Plan, or CERP, which was an ambitious8 billion dollar undertaking aiming to
(11:40):
re establish the natural water flow.
CERP has remained controversial.
Critics argue that it subsidizesfurther damaging development,
overlooks water quality issues andrelies on uncertain technologies
that delay environmental benefits.
Supporters like the NationalAudubon Society commend CERP's
integrated approach to undoingdecades of hydrological destruction.
(12:03):
Whether or not CERP ultimately succeedsremains to be seen, but the story of the
Everglades is one of resilience againstnearly being erased by human ambition.
From the departure of its originalinhabitants to the 20th century onslaught
of human engineering run amok, this vastwatery wilderness has developed an uncanny
knack for survival and rejuvenation.
Abigail (12:25):
Perhaps the Everglades greatest restoration still lies ahead, a return to
the intricate splendor of natural rhythms.
As one of the world's most celebratedwetlands and an international
dark sky park, the River of Grasscontinues inspiring all who bear
witness to its subtle beauty.
While the Everglades story is one ofresilience against human ambition,
(12:49):
it's also a tale filled with amusinganecdotes and jaw dropping facts.
Here's some factoids that'llmake you smarter than the
average tourist when you visit.
For instance, did you know thisvast wetland wilderness, is one
of the largest in the world?
Yet only half the size it used to be?
It contains the largest protectedcontiguous stand of mangrove forests
(13:13):
in the entire northern hemisphere.
So vast are these mazes that onecould easily get turned around
and lost in them for days on end.
Keith (13:22):
And speaking of prospects that unnerve, the Everglades is
the only place on Earth whereyou'll find American alligators and
crocodiles coexisting in the wild.
I can't imagine coming face to facewith both these species of apex
predator on the same excursion.
It's kind of enough to make eventhe most avid reptile enthusiast
feel a little shiver of caution.
(13:42):
Sadly, however, humans haveintroduced our own dangerous predator.
The Burmese Python.
These invasive constrictors,likely all escaped or released pets
originally, have established a breedingpopulation that is wreaking havoc.
Some scientists have estimatedpythons have caused a 90 to 99 percent
drop in small mammal populations.
(14:03):
The fight is on to control theirspread before more damage is done.
And while the pythons spellpotential trouble, there are less
threatening yet no less entertainingcharacters in the Everglades.
It's 80 plus mosquito species, butdon't worry, not all of them dine on
human blood, but those that do serve asexcellent motivation to pick up a bunch of
(14:24):
insect repellent before you go and visit.
For all its inhospitable pests and roamingreptiles though, the Everglades provides
the precious gift of water that actuallysustains over 8 million Floridians.
This vast river of grass, soevocatively dubbed by conservationists
Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, is anecosystem hydraulic engine supporting
(14:44):
a massive human population.
So whether you find the Evergladescharming or chilling, sublimely
beautiful or substantially important,one thing is certain, it's a place of
unparalleled superlatives and eye openingrevelations around every sawgrass bend.
Let's talk about how to get there.
(15:05):
And maybe some tips and tricksto make your trip unforgettable.
Abigail, this is yoursection, what'd you find out?
Abigail (15:11):
Okay, it's travel time.
So you'll want to fly into MiamiInternational Airport, which is
the major airport in the area.
In terms of getting into the park itself,you have to pay for an entrance pass.
Digital passes can bepurchased in advance online.
There are discounts availablefor seniors and those living with
(15:32):
disabilities, but the regularly pricedpasses are pretty inexpensive as is.
Keith (15:37):
Are there different types of passes and tours available?
Abigail (15:40):
Yeah.
If you plan on going to other nationalparks throughout the year, you may want
to get an America the Beautiful pass.
So some of the different typesof guided tours available include
tram tours, educational tours viathe Everglades Institute, airboat
tours, photography tours, and more.
(16:01):
Some are conducted by park rangers,while some are led by authorized
tour guides or companies that arepermitted by the Park Service.
You can go on the National ParkService site to find a list of vetted,
legitimate tour companies and guides.
A note about the weather.
From May to October, There may be lotsof rain, and it's very hot and humid.
(16:23):
Think 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above,so make sure you dress appropriately.
Keith (16:28):
Yeah, you're not kidding.
I've been to Floridamany times in the summer.
It can be brutal as far as weather.
Alright, so you spoke about the Americaof the Beautiful Pass, and with that
in mind, What are you recommendingbundling with this site for those
who don't want a trip to Disney orUniversal Studios or even Miami?
Abigail (16:45):
Interesting you bring up Miami.
So, a lot of people stay in the city ofHomestead, which has some hotel options.
However, Miami really is the place to be.
They have hundreds of hotels,thousands of really nice
restaurants to check out as well.
And if you love the beach or loveto party, Miami is a great pit
(17:07):
stop that's only an hour away.
If you want to stay in the parkproper, you can go glamping on site.
And side note, Everglades City alsohosts the annual Seafood Festival.
Which gets over 50, 000visitors annually on average.
Keith (17:26):
Glamping.
Glamorous camping.
Think half a million dollar RVs andfully stocked quote unquote cabins.
So with that in mind, how manyvisitors does the park get each year?
Abigail (17:37):
About a million.
Keith (17:38):
Yeah, a million.
That makes sense consideringhow important this site is.
Alright, let's segue to theconspiracy theories and urban
legends section of the episode.
This is a national park, sothere's already a ton to consider.
What else did you dig upother than the normal stuff?
Abigail (17:54):
Well, as always, this is a national park.
And you know what that meansif you've listened to previous
episodes, but if not, I'll recap.
So, many people believe that nationalparks are dumping grounds for serial
killers operating in the area becausethey tend to be wooded or secluded and
have animals that'll eat their remains.
(18:16):
The Everglades is definitely not anexception, given the alligator population.
Over the years, police, tourists, andresidents Have come across grizzly
bodies that were disposed of ina gruesome way in the Everglades.
Bodies that have been shot,stabbed, or burned, and have
all been found in the water.
(18:37):
And many of these caseshave been left unsolved.
Part of the reason is bodies beingsubmerged in water for long durations
causes several changes due totemperatures, currents, and interactions
with animals such as alligators.
Since 1965, there have been morethan 175 unsolved cases in the
(18:58):
Everglades, and those are only thebodies that have actually been found.
Keith (19:03):
Yikes.
Um, this is definitely part of thenational parks that I don't like.
So how about the supernaturalstuff or legends, I'm guessing
ghosts, aliens, anything like that?
Abigail (19:13):
Yes.
And I would just add that while wecan't prove that there's a serial
killer operating in the area,you should definitely be careful
and consider not going alone.
So the next on the rosteris a ghostly legend.
There was a plantation owner andserial killer by the name of Edgar
Watson, who was gunned down in theswamplands of the Everglades by
(19:36):
the Chokoloskee townsfolk in 1910.
Watson murdered many of his blackservants and would kill anyone
who was trespassing on his land.
Per some tourists, Watsonnever left Rabbit Key.
The island within theEverglades where he was killed.
There's a nearby museum that'sreported bizarre occurrences
(19:57):
of poltergeist like activity.
Staff and guests have reportedmotion detectors going off randomly.
Shadows lurking through the general storeafter hours have been noted as well.
If I visit the park in the future, I thinkI'll be staying away from Rabbit Key.
But, if you're a ghost hunter,this might be the place for you.
Keith (20:18):
Yep, as usual, that's pretty creepy.
Nice job on that.
Alright, so let's transitionto the preservation piece.
I know in my research that thishas been a pretty charged issue,
and there are several sides to thework of preserving the Everglades.
I also know, as I mentionedbefore, that there's some
invasive species wreaking havoc.
So what are the government, localfolks, and international groups
(20:39):
doing to preserve this gem?
Abigail (20:41):
Well, like you said, there are some issues faced keeping this park safe.
This includes issues relatedto water quality and changes
to distribution of inflows thathave also been well documented.
And these have had serious impacts onthe native wildlife and vegetation.
So, since the 1800s, water diversionsand flood control projects have
(21:05):
severed the flow of water betweendifferent parts of the Everglades.
And areas of land were convertedinto residential areas.
Water is diverted in upstream areasto provide flood protection and a
reliable water supply for the expandingpopulation in southern Florida.
In the northern wetlands of the park,reduced inflows have caused a loss that is
(21:29):
required to support the fish and aquaticlife, as well as the bird populations.
Increased salinity in Florida Bay dueto reduced freshwater has contributed
to changes in submerged aquaticvegetation, declines in certain types
of fish, and the spread of algal blooms.
(21:50):
The park is also experiencing theintroduction of non native species,
which you may have heard about on thenews, including the Burmese python,
which is proliferated in the park.
This disrupts the natural predator preydynamic and can be dangerous for tourists
who may be attacked by these animals.
Also, loss of organic soil acrosspark habitats due to wildfires and
(22:15):
other factors occurred during andafter the major elements of the water
management system were constructedbetween in the early to mid 1900s.
Although hurricanes are naturallyoccurring in this region, these
uncontrollable storms can damagethe already strained ecosystem.
All of that said, there is a multibillion dollar restoration plan in
(22:39):
place, so I believe much of this can bestopped in its tracks or even reversed.
I have high hopes for this park,and highly recommend visiting
if you're in the Sunshine State.
Keith (22:51):
All right.
Well, let's hope that this fragileand incredibly important system
can be saved and even brought back.
All right.
So thanks so much for listening to anotherepisode of the Global Treasures Podcast.
Just a quick note about our show,Abigail and I truly believe in
what we're doing here to spreadthe word of these UNESCO sites,
and simply love sharing this with you.
(23:11):
If you also think this isimportant, kindly consider leaving
us a 5 star written review withmaybe a message saying why.
This helps others who may not evenknow about the UNESCO's Program
of World Heritage Sites find thispodcast and learn of these treasures.
It also lets our providersknow that people find value
in what we're doing here.
Thank you.
We know it takes time to write these,and we value each and every one.
(23:35):
We're so grateful to every oneof our listeners who spread
the word about these sites.
We can't wait to see you next time, whenwe take you to Fasil Gebbi in Ethiopia.
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