From Swamp to Wetland: The Creation of Everglades National Park

The book chronicles the creation of Everglades National Park, which was seen as a reviled and useless swamp but was re-defined as an ecologically valuable and fragile wetland. Tourism and economic desires of Florida's business and political elites also impacted the park's future, but conservative landowners fought to limit its power. Today, development into these areas threatens the park system, and rising sea levels caused by global warming are another threat.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

The Everglades, a vast subtropical wilderness spanning over 1.5 million acres in the United States, holds a remarkable story of its creation. This transformative endeavor, spanning from 1928 to 1958, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern environmental movement. Prior to the establishment of Everglades National Park, the Everglades was widely regarded as a despised and barren swamp, deemed unsuitable for conventional recreational or development projects. However, the region's unique composition made it an unlikely contender for national park status, lacking the awe-inspiring scenic vistas or geological landmarks found in other protected areas.

Park advocates, driven by innovative concepts about the significance of biodiversity, ecological balance, and the preservation of habitats, marine ecosystems, and plant life, embarked on a mission to redefine the Everglades. They sought to elevate the Everglades from its previous perception as an ecological wasteland to a revered and fragile wetland deserving of protective status. These advocates drew upon emerging ideas that foreshadowed the later emergence of modern environmentalism.

While these new perspectives laid the foundation for the Everglades' conservation, the influence of tourism and the economic aspirations of Florida's business and political elites also played a significant role in shaping the park's future. These groups recognized the Everglades' unique biology and ecology as a valuable asset, envisioning it as the foundation for a thriving tourism industry. They linked the Everglades to Florida's modernization and commercialization, hoping that the park would facilitate the state's transition into the renowned Sunshine State.

Political conservatives, in particular, welcomed federal power into Florida, as long as it brought economic growth. They saw the Everglades as a potential catalyst for economic development and embraced the park's creation as a means to attract tourists and boost the state's economy. However, even after the park's establishment, conservative landowners successfully fought to limit its expansion, viewing it as a threat to their own economic freedoms.

Today, a series of levees on the park's eastern border serves as a dividing line between urban areas and the protected wilderness. While development into these areas has been limited, the Everglades continues to face ongoing challenges, including climate change, water pollution, and habitat loss. The park remains a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems for future generations.

In conclusion, the creation of Everglades National Park was a monumental effort that redefined the perception of a once-despised swamp. It showcased the transformative power of innovative ideas and the interplay between environmentalism, tourism, and economic interests. While the park has faced its share of challenges, it remains a symbol of our commitment to protecting and preserving our natural heritage. The Everglades continues to inspire us to embrace sustainable practices and work towards a future where biodiversity and ecological balance thrive.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820362397