Everglades National Park in Florida is set up to protect the southern 20 percent of the original Everglades. The Everglades are a network of wetlands and forests which are home to the most significant breeding grounds for tropical wading birds in North America, it contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere, is home to 36 threatened or protected species, and supports 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles. In the United States, the Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness, and the largest wilderness of any kind east of the Mississippi River.
When looking for a place to stay then the ecotourist should definitely check out the Flamingo Eco-tent Project, currently in development but expected to be rolled out on a grand scale in 2013. Nothing will be better for the environment on your stay that setting up lodge in one of these fantastic tents.
Another thing not to be missed for the green traveller is the South Florida Natural Resources Center (SFNRC) – a division of Everglades National Park that provides scientific information and environmental assessments to the National Park Service units of south Florida. SFNRC scientists seek to conserve and, where necessary, restore the normal suite of interactions between the biological and physical elements of the environment in order to ensure a functional ecosystem and its associated biological diversity. Reflecting the holistic nature of the ecosystem, the centre works to integrate applied science with management actions toward the preservation of resources for the enjoyment of future generations.
In short, the Everglades National Park is an absolute must for all ecotourists who want to see some pioneering work in the protection of local wild habitats.