Research in Everglades National Park

research in the evergladesThe Everglades National Park may be full of plants, animals, birds, insects, fish, and water, but it’s also home to many different research programs. The South Florida Natural Resources Center (SFNRC) conducts research that informs the management of the south Florida parks pertaining to wildlife, restoration, water quality, hydrology, and invasive plants and animals.

Here is a list of some of the research groups, monitoring programs, natural resources management and restoration assessments going on in the Park.

  • Ridge and Slough Ecology Program
  • Ecological Modeling Program
  • Hydrologic Modeling Program
  • Hydrologic Monitoring Program
  • Wildlife Monitoring Program
  • Aquatics Program
  • Invasive Plant Program
  • Invasive Animal Program
  • Marine and Estuarine Resources Management
  • Modified Water Deliveries Project
  • Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Project
  • Tamiami Trail Next Steps Project

Below, we wanted to share a little more detail about what a few of these programs do, so you can have a little insight into the science, research, and work happening in the Everglades.

  • Wildlife Monitoring Program – This program has been around for quite some time and has been able to gather information critical to the management of wading birds, sea turtles, alligators, eagles, Florida panthers, and more.
  • Aquatics Program – In this program, freshwater fish and invertebrates are monitored to track for season and long-term changes due to natural weather patterns and water management.
  • Modified Water Deliveries Project – This project began in 1992 and is almost completer; this project will allow an incremental increase in water flow into the Northeast Shark River Slough. With the increased water flow and quality, the habitat is expected to improve, which would bring more species back to the area.
  • Marine and Estuarine Resources Management – In this program, marine habitats and organisms are monitored to track gamefish populations based on what fisherman are catching. They also monitor fish populations (in general) and their habitats.

To learn more about any of the above programs, click here.

 

If you’d like to explore the Everglades, book an airboat tour. Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours will bring you all around the Everglades where you can get once-in-a-lifetime views of animal and plant life. To book an airboat tour, click here or call 800-368-0065.

 

Photo courtesy: www.nps.gov