Here some quick facts about the Everglades. You may have heard of some of the facts before, but many are unknown to the majority of people.We hope these tidbits make you want to check out this natural wonder!

The Everglades is home to 14 endangered species and 9 threatened species.

The Everglades used to be spread across 8 million acres, but now, the area is less than 50 percent of the size it once was due to human settlement and drainage.

The Everglades isn’t really a swamp or forested wetland (although it’s refereed to being so, often), it’s a very slow-moving river.

The American alligator and the American crocodile only co-exist here.

The entire Everglades ecosystem stretched from the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee before people began settling in southern Florida.

The Everglades is a Word Heritage site, a Wetland of International Significance, and an International Biosphere Reserve.

One out of three Floridians get their water supply from the Everglades.

It is the largest, continuous saw grass prairie on the continent.

It contains the largest mangrove system in the western hemisphere.

The area is home to the bestt breeding ground for tropical wading birds on the continent.

The ghost orchid only grows in the Everglades.

The Everglades is known as the “River of Grass.”  Native Americans called it and still call it  “pahayokee,” which means grassy waters.

Check out the Everglades

There is so much more to know and learn about the Everglades beyond these few facts.  The best way to learn about the area is up close and personal! An airboat ride allows people to go through the wetland and see lots of different,  beautiful vegetation, water, and animal life.  Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours in Everglades offer a fun, unique experience on an airboat through the Everglades. Call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 239-695-3377 or click here to book a trip.

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The Everglades is primarily made up of water, and is actually a flowing river. Water flows from north to south from Lake Okeechobee. It is a very slow moving river. These days, its dimensions are 60 miles wide and 100 miles long. It used to be even larger!  Unfortunately, due to construction and drainage projects, close to 50 percent of the wetland has been destroyed. Natural areas of the Everglades were replaced with residential areas, urban areas, and farms.

Now, an Everglades Restoration Plan is in place to restore the water flow to its historic, natural flow. On Earth Day, one of these plans, building the Tamiami Bridge, began construction. Why is a restoration plan needed? Well if it’s never restored, the area may disappear.  Because of humans, Lake Okeechobee became connected to estuaries through the Calooshatchee and St. Lucie Rivers. When this occurred, the rivers began receiving water from the lake that compromised the fragile estuarine ecosystem. Other Everglades areas now receive polluted water from the Lake that came from the farming areas. Vegetation and wildlife have changed in these areas because of it. Since the Everglades is home to 16 endangered or threatened species, it’s even more crucial to get the water flowing properly. One small change in the ecosystem and an entire species can disappear, and no one wants that to happen.

This Restoration Plan contains around 60 components that will restore the ecosystem, provide flood protection, and ensure water supplies. Some plans include: Kissimmee River restoration project; building additional storm water treatment areas and flow equalization basins, the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, Tamiami Bridge, and the C-111 Spreader Canal.

Explore The Beautiful Everglades

The Everglades is one-of-a-kind place of wonder; it has been designated biodiversity global hotspot, because it is one of the richest and most threatened areas with plant and animal life on the planet. Protection of this area is crucial, especially if people want to continue to benefit from its water and beauty in the future. It’s a must-see place. To explore the area, an airboat tour brings people up-close-and-personal with the wetland. To book an airboat tour, click here. or call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 239-695-3377.

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This is not to say that you will find just any species of shark making its way into the world’s freshwater rivers. In fact, there is one shark in particular who seems to be found in these areas more than any other – the bull shark. Furthermore, this fact can be particularly scary when you consider that bull sharks are responsible for more human deaths than any other species of shark in the world. Not only must swimmers be wary of alligators when entering a Florida river, but if said river is also connected to the ocean, swimmers must also be careful to avoid bull sharks as well.

Scientists are still not entirely sure what makes this special characteristic almost exclusive to this single species of shark. All species of sharks must maintain a certain concentration of salt within their bodies, as salt prevents their cells from rupturing which in turn causes bloating and death. As soon as a shark enters freshwater, the salt concentration within their body becomes diluted, which is why the great majority of sharks will never even enter freshwater at all, or if they do, will leave it almost immediately.

The fact that bull sharks can live in freshwater is not because they do not possess the same need to maintain a certain salinity level as other sharks. Bull sharks still need to maintain their salinity levels, but have developed a special ability within their kidneys to continuously recycle and retain the salt that they absorb. And while it is not yet known how or why they developed this ability, it does seem to give them a competitive advantage when it comes to feeding and breeding, allowing them exclusive access to certain prey as well as a safe haven for newborns. However, because freshwater environments still do not appear to be preferable for bull sharks, it is clear that the disadvantages of such environments still outweigh the advantages.

For your chance to see two of planet earth’s most fearsome predators in the same environment – alligators and sharks – take an airboat ride through the Everglades today. Not only are airboat tours a safe way to observe these wild animals from a comfortable distance, but they are a great way to explore everything else that the Everglades has to offer as well.

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First, it is important to point out the similarities that these two types of arthropods have. For instance, they are both from the group Myriapoda. They also both have segmented bodies, numerous legs, and breath through spiracles, which are openings on the surface of their bodies that lead to their respiratory systems. While the two species are from the same group in the animal kingdom, it’s important to note that there are more than 13,000 species within the group Myriapoda, with an almost infinite amount of variation between them.

Centipedes are further classified into the class of Chilopoda, while millipedes are placed into the class of Diplopoda. Species in the class of Chilopoda are flexible and have flattened appearances, while those in the class of Diplopoda are more rigid and sub-cylindrical in shape. It’s also important to note here that neither centipedes nor millipedes are insects, though they are often mistakenly referred to as such. Insects are classified as only have three pairs of legs, one pair on each segment, while both centipedes and millipedes have many segments, with one or two pairs of legs on each, respectively. There is also no set number of legs with centipedes and millipedes, and there will usually be a lot of variation between specific species of each.

You’ve probably seen both centipedes and millipedes inside your home at some point, especially if you live in Florida, where both are considered to be household pests. You probably find millipedes to be far more innocent than centipedes, however, as they are incredibly slow moving and generally harmless. Their legs are also not visible unless you get very close to them, they are not capable of biting, and they feed only on decaying organic matter. While understandably a nuisance inside your home, these creatures are considered a very ecologically important part of the environment.

Centipedes, on the other hand, are a different story. Even while having fewer legs than millipedes, they are incredibly fast movers, a fact which is accentuated by the fact that their legs veer off from the sides of their bodies and trail backwards and are highly visible in comparison to the legs of millipedes. Centipedes also have to be handled carefully because they bite, releasing a venom into their prey which in rare cases can cause allergic reactions in humans.

You may think you’ve seen enough of these critters in your houses but we promise, both centipedes and millipedes are a lot more interesting in the Everglades, where on an airboat ride you run the chance of spotting a few alongside alligators, snakes, and birds in every color of the rainbow. Don’t miss your chance to experience the Florida Everglades on a safe, yet thrilling airboat tour today.

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Strong winds and water can dislocate individuals and even small populations. Dolphins and manatees have been washed or blown ashore during strong storms, but it is perhaps birds that take the biggest hit. Strong winds can separate flocks and isolate individuals, but can also blow large groups of birds completely off course, leaving them hundreds of miles from their homes.

Strong winds and water can destroy habitats. Both the unwelcome erosion caused by storm surges and the loss of trees, and even entire forests, from fast moving winds can have detrimental affects on the local wildlife. Not only do many species lose their homes and shelter during these times, but because high winds can also strip trees of their nuts and fruits, many lose important food sources as well.

Saltwater and freshwater areas can mix and be thrown off balance. Species are typically heavily adapted and accustomed to the delicate balance of salinity in their usual environments. During storm surges, large amounts of saltwater are pushed inland into freshwater rivers and lakes while heavy rains can overwhelm river basins and cause freshwater to flood the oceans, putting a great deal of pressure on species to survive in their drastically changed environments.

Rainfall and run-off can pollute oceans and streams. The mixing of freshwater and saltwater is not the only thing that can harm the oceans and its wildlife during and after a hurricane. Heavy rain and its run-off through populated areas back into oceans and streams can pollute marine environments and coastal areas that had previously been healthy and vibrant.

Strong weather can cause direct injury to wildlife. Fast winds and rough waves can cause direct harm to local wildlife, though marine life is arguably the worst to suffer. During the violent conditions produced by category 5 hurricane Andrew in 1992, it was estimated that more than 180 million fish were killed in the Everglades and close to another 10 million in the oceans offshore.

The next time a hurricane or tropical storm is making its way to Florida, take a moment to think about Florida’s native creatures and how resilient these species are to have survived through millions of years of stormy weather in Florida. And, you can always enjoy the local wildlife in good weather by taking an airboat tour through the Everglades with Captain Mitch and his crew. Everglades airboat rides are not just educational, but fun for the whole family too!

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While you may not be able to recognize the molting on yourself, if you’ve ever had pets, then you are certainly familiar with the concept. Depending on the breed of dog or cat, some pets will go through heavy periods of molting once or twice a year, while others will seemingly be in a constant state of shedding. While, as a homeowner, the process may seem like a giant nuisance that you are constantly cleaning up after, it is an important natural process that your pet, just like you, must go through to stay healthy.

Molting, however, isn’t limited to the elimination of dead skin and hair, but refers to any act in which an animal casts off a part of its body periodically throughout its life. For insects, this can mean the shedding of and replacement of their wings, while for birds, it means the shedding of old feathers so that they can be replaced with vibrant, new ones. Probably the most well known example of molting is that of snakes shedding their skin, because unlike many other species that cast off skin when molting, snakes generally shed their skin in a single piece, leaving behind an eerie reminder of their presence.

Other species that shed their skin, such as amphibians, have been known to shed in multiple pieces, and oftentimes will consume the parts of their body that they have cast. In perhaps what are the most extreme cases of molting in the animal kingdom, some specials will go through what is considered a complete metamorphisis. In these instances, the end result of the molting process is almost completely unrecognizable from the creature that existed before it started. One such prominent example is that of the butterfly – it enters the molting process as a catepillar, and emerges from its cocoon sometime later as something much different, so different in fact that one might assume it was a completely different insect.

Without molting, animals would not be able to grow or change as they get older and it would result in some serious complications – many would not be able to survive at all. So while it may annoy you the next time you are picking up your dog’s hair around the house after their most recent molt, remember that without this important process, your dog would be unclean, unhealthy, and uncomfortable, and, because human beings molt too, so would you!

While you are unlikely to catch an animal or insect in the act of molting itself, you can observe many of the beautiful results of a successful molt while taking an airboat tour through the Everglades. On an Everglades swamp tour, you’ll see lizards, snakes, ambiphians, and birds, and plenty of other fun creatures that molt too!

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To avoid coming across an alligator in the wild:

Don’t swim at night, and especially at dusk or dawn, when alligators are known to feed. Stay out of any body of water unless you are completely certain that it’s safe.
Do pay attention to any posted warning signs of alligators in the water and avoid swimming where there is a known danger. If you are unfamiliar with the area, ask locals and residents who are familiar to guide you to safe, heavily populated swimming zones.

Don’t feed alligators, as it teaches alligators to associate human beings with food and grow increasingly comfortable in human environments. If that doesn’t scare you, it’s also illegal and can earn you a hefty fine.
Do respect boundaries between wildlife and human beings. Observe and enjoy alligators from a safe distance, but avoid any interactions that can be potentially dangerous for either of you.

Don’t attempt to move or catch an alligator on your own. Alligators become dangerous when 4 feet or more in length, and you could be putting yourself right in the line of danger.
Do report a wild alligator siting to the proper authorities if it is posing a potential threat. This generally means contacting your local Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission office.

If you do come across an alligator in the wild:

Don’t approach the alligator. If there are any pets or small children in the area, place them inside if possible or keep a close eye on them.
Do keep within a safe distance from the alligator. Alligators can run very fast for short distances, so it’s wise to stay at least 30 feet away.

Don’t run away in zig zags if an alligator is chasing you. This is a myth and running this way will likely only wear you out faster, not the alligator.
Do back away from an alligator slowly if you find yourself close to one. For the most part, alligators are more scared of humans than we are scared of them, and are very unlikely to chase you.

Don’t ever get in the water with an alligator, even a small one. Alligators are at their strongest when in the water, and you increase your chances of attack greatly if you join them on their turf.
Do keep a close eye on any alligators you come across, and watch for any warning signs of aggression. If an alligator hisses at you, then an attack may follow shortly.

South Florida is a beautiful place, and part of what makes it beautiful is all of the unique and interesting animals that share the area with us. While some animals, like alligators, can be dangerous in certain situations, as long as we respect them and their territory, we can all live together in harmony. If you’d like to view alligators and other fascinating creatures in an exciting, yet perfectly safe, environment, consider an airboat tour through the Everglades. Airboat rides are safe for the whole family, and are sure to leave you with a memory of Florida that you never forget.

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The first question you are probably asking yourself is why do snakes shed their skin in the first place? The simple answer is that snakeskin is not like human skin – as humans age and grow from infancy, our skin expands along with us. Snakeskin does not expand as a baby snake grows into adulthood, so from time to time a snake must shed its skin in order to allow for new growth. It’s all part of a natural process called moulting, which although it is practiced in various forms by many members of the animal kingdom, snakes are perhaps the most notable, with their skin often even picked up by collectors.

It’s important to note that during the process of shedding, a snake is only actually shedding the outermost layer of its skin. Furthermore, while snakes do tend to grow at faster rates when they are young, just like humans, unlike humans, they never stop growing, even after they reach adulthood. For this reason, a snake will continue to shed its skin until the day it dies, although with much less frequency than when it was young. The average adult snake will shed its skin approximately once every 30-45 days.

In order for a snake to shed its skin properly, some level of humidity must be present. This is especially true of tropical snakes, who would likely have trouble surviving in drier climates. If a snake lacks proper moisture or is dehydrated, it may have trouble shedding its skin, and sheds may accumulate uncomfortably over time. While this may not seem like a serious problem initially, for a snake, it definitely is. The biggest problem arises when skin accumulation leads to multiple caps over the eyes, which can lead to blindness and ultimately to death. Furthermore, healthy snakes will generally shed their skin in one piece, and a broken or incomplete shed can also be a sign of a snake in poor health.

While snakes are terrifying to some people, no one can deny that they are incredibly fascinating creatures, whether or not each person’s fascination leans towards love or hate. If your personal fascination draws you to observe snakes in their natural habitats, then a Florida Everglades tour is an excellent place to start. From the safety of an airboat ride, you can view snakes, alligators, and plenty of fish and birds while zipping across the water at top speeds, all the while getting up close and personal with some of Florida’s most interesting wildlife.

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While flamingoes might be the most notable creature that gets coloring from its diet, certain fish, like salmon and koi, are also affected. What causes this phenomenon in certain animals is the presence of something called carotenoids, which are pigments found in plants and other photosynthetic organisms. When certain birds and fish eat plants and algae that contain these carotenoids, although the plant matter itself is blue-green, it is broken down into orange and pink pigments inside of the animal’s liver, thus giving the animal a bold and pink hue as the more carotenoids it consumes.

Along with the carotenoids, animals tend to absorb the coloring of whatever foods are consumed along with the algae – flamingoes turn such a vibrant pink because they eat shrimp and other crustaceans, for example. This can actually occur in humans as well. You may have seen people who develop a slight orange tint to their skin after consuming large amounts of carrots and sweet potatoes for long periods of time – this is especially common in newborns and young babies as their skin is lighter and thinner. Some people even swear that eating certain foods can, over time, change their eye color or make their current eye color stand out more brightly.

Unlike plants, animals do not photosynthesize and do not produce carotenoids and must instead obtain them strictly from their diets. Because vibrantly colored animals and food products are more appealing to consumers, some animals, such as koi fish on display or flamingoes kept in zoos, are actually given carotenoid supplements in order to enhance their coloring. You’ll find the same processes performed with farm-raised salmon, in order to get the fish colorful and pink so that they can compete with their wild-caught counterparts in the seafood markets.

Can you imagine a flamingo that was perfectly white instead of a beautiful pink? It’s difficult to picture, but this would be the case if flamingoes simply had different diets or lived in different habitats that had limited access to food high in carotenoids. One thing is for sure – the Florida Everglades would certainly be a different place without all the beautiful and colorful creatures that live there.

To experience the beauty of an Everglades swamp tour for yourself, take an airboat ride through the mangroves with the original airboat tour family. You’ll see animals and plants that you’ll never forget and in every color of the rainbow!

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The official definition of restoration ecology as defined by the Society for Ecological Restoration is the “intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity and sustainability.” While this definition might seem somewhat vague or ambiguous, it’s much easier to understand when you consider specific examples of restoration ecology: erosion control, reforestation, removal of invasive species, reintroduction of native species, revegetation of damaged areas, and habitat restoration for endangered species. Essentially, restoration ecology is any action taken with the intention of restoring an ecological system to its original and most adequate form, providing the best possible environment for native species that is possible given the current circumstances.

The practice of restoration ecology has actually been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, practiced by laypeople who had no specialization or expertise in the field, but who simply loved the land around them and believed they were doing the right thing in trying to preserve it. The term “restoration ecology” was officially coined in the 1980′s by two professors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, John Aber and William Jordan, who also organized and held the first official meetings on the topic at the same University. Restoration ecology has greatly expanded as a field in the few decades since, becoming its own scientific discipline and inspiring one renowned biologist, E.O. Wells, to make a bold statement explaining that he feels the next century will “be the era of restoration in ecology.”

If Wells is right, then it means big things for many of the ecosystems around the world that are currently suffering, including the Florida Everglades. However, even amongst supporters of restoration ecology, there are generally two types. There are those people who have the belief that humans have a responsibility to all other living things, both plants and animals, and that we have an obligation to protect all species and their habitats independent of the effects that it has on us as a species. On the other hand, there are those who support restoration ecology but look at it from the viewpoint of what benefits are offered to us – such people look at healthy ecosystems instead as the food, fuel, water, and lumber they provide to humans. However one chooses to look at it, it’s clear that restoration ecology is a field that looks upon improving the environments that it studies, which could hardly be considered a bad thing in anyone’s book.

To truly understand why the field of restoration ecology is so important, it’s vital to visit places like South Florida and experience an Everglades tour firsthand. From an airboat tour, you’ll observe areas of the Everglades that not every average Florida tourist gets to see, and who knows – after a trip through the Florida Everglades, you may just be inspired to dive into the field of restoration ecology yourself.

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