The Everglades is a National Park. It is home to thousands of plants, flowers, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more. The area provides drinking water for much of south Florida. There are species that live in the Everglades that live nowhere else in the world. It’s beautiful and there’s a lot to learn in this expansive Park. However, as years have gone by, the Everglades has shrunk in size. The area has become threatened due to human development and invasive species.
As you’ve probably heard or read about right now, the Everglades is undergoing a restoration process that will take millions of dollars and many years. The point of this restoration is to restore the Everglades back to its original state (change back the flow of water) so the Everglades can begin to flourish again, and better survive alongside humans, invasive species, and climate change.
Government and state officials are those who will and can dictate funding for the Everglades, but what can you do as a citizen of the United States to support this precious park?
- You can become a volunteer at the park. Whether it’s a one-time outing or a long commitment. From picking up trash to leading a group, there are many different volunteering opportunities at the park.
- You can donate. The Park can accept donations by check or through its friends group the South Florida National Parks Trust (by check or credit card). Donations help park programs (education programs, ranger guided programs, public safety programs, etc.) continue to run. Donations can be made directly to the Park by check or money order, payable to National Park Serviceand mailed to :Superintendent Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336,Homestead, FL 33034-6733
- You can donate to the South Florida National Parks Trust, which supports the Everglades. Donations help support education resource protection, visitor services, volunteer activities and community engagement.
- You can join the park’s friends group, the South Florida National Parks Trust. As a member, you will eceive gifts, discounts to bookstores in the four national parks the Trust helps, monthly park updates, and invites to special events.
- You can put a traveling exhibit/display at a facility in your local community like a school or library. It will help spread the word about the Park.
Support from the public is what helps national parks thrive and survive. The national park system is the only federal agency to rely heavily on visitors, donors. and volunteers
To learn more about supporting the Everglades, visit here.
Explore the Everglades on An Airboat
Whether you’re visiting or volunteering, the Everglades is spectacular to explore. An airboat tour is a fun way to explore the Everglades.
To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page. We are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax).
