Fourth in a series

Everglades National Park is in reality a public space designed to protect a piece of a vital wetland and the many varieties of wildlife that inhabit this swampy region of southern Florida.

Everglades Fact Sheet Location: Everglades National park is located across three counties in southern Florida, including Monroe, Collier and Miami-Dade. The park entrance is located in Homestead. Founded: The park was established in 1934 and dedicated in 1947, according to the National Park Service. Area: 1.5 million acres Website: www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

The park was created in 1934 to protect a vital ecosystem, a network of wetlands, wooded areas, as well as rivers fed by Lake Okeechobee, from the expansive growth of development in the state, according to the National Park Service.

The Everglades is a primary breeding ground for birds and a home to dozens of endangered species, including the Florida panther, West Indian manatee and the crocodile.

More than 1 million people visit the park each year. The most active tourists season is between December and March when temperatures are cooler and pesky insects are less of a burden, according to the National Park Service. The park is popular with hikers, naturalists, nature photographers, anglers and adventure-seekers. The park and camping facilities are open year-round.

Coming next week: Glacier National Park

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