Most Recognized Swamps in Florida

Some people may be unaware that swamps in Florida are usually not a good foundation to build a home due to the saturated soils. Florida swamps consist of mass wildlife, wetlands and many types of trees such as the Cypress tree. For photographers and explorers, swamplands can be full of surprises. There are many different types of swamps and some swamps are more recognized in Florida.

The Okefenokee Swamp is maybe one you have heard of before. This swamp lies across a massive 430 thousand acres near the Georgia/Florida border. This swamp is protected by Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and is consider one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia. This is one of the largest Black water swamps in the world. In this swamp in Florida, you can join in some of the nature classes or just go for a walk along the boardwalk to experience the outdoors of this swamp.

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located near Naples, Florida. This swamp in Florida has a boardwalk that is 2 ½ miles long, reaching far out into the swamplands, through the flat woods and a trip around vast forests of ancient Cypress trees. For the birdwatcher, this is the premier home of over 200 birds. The other types of swamps in Florida for example are Bottom Land Forests, which are mostly flatlands. Another type of swamp is called a Floodplain forest, which are usually seasonal. Fresh tidal swamps are part of a river mouth wetland. Then there is the Strand swamp, which is broad and mostly shallow and seasonal. Basin swamps are usually are large basin type, still watered area. Dome swamps are also similar to Basin swamps. Last is the Tidal swamp, which contains trees, which are salt-tolerant.

Among these other smaller swamps, is the most famous, the Everglades National Park. The swamplands and grassland waters range over 100 thousand acres. Walks and canoing are just a few things you can enjoy by visiting this vast area of wetlands. Boat tours and Tram tours are used for wildlife viewing. There are over 25 types of orchids that grow in the wild and 36 wildlife species that are or were on the endangered species list. The Everglades is also home to Florida panthers and The West Indian Manatee. There is so much history in the swamps of the Everglades dated as far back as 10,000 b.c.

Whichever swamp you are interested in visiting in Florida, remember to have respect for nature. There are a lot of endangered species, as well as waterways in danger of being polluted. Most of the swamps lands have had to be protected due to all the damage humans have done to them in the past, not knowing about a swamps delicate nature and how much they truly contribute to our ecosystem.