large forest rather than a swamp. Of course, there are some marshy spots hiding under thick layers of sawgrass, and lakes filled with alligators and crocodiles certainly exist throughout the preserve, but a vast majority of the park has large cypress trees that the endangered and rarely seen Florida panther hides behind. Meanwhile, flowers bloom in the sunshine while butterflies and birds such as warblers, cranes and egrets fill the sky and the sound waves. Big Cypress thrives on water from rainfall. According to the National Park Trip Planning Guide, Big Cypress receives “55 inches of rainfall each year, flooding the cypress strands and prairies with a shallow sheet of life-giving water.” The benefits of rainfall don’t stop there. According to the guide, this rainwater then “flows through the Preserve into the Ten Islands area along the Gulf of Mexico,” which gives nutrients to sharks, crabs and snook.
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Biscayne National Park While the Everglades and Big Cypress are by majority land-based parks with lakes and swamps dispersed throughout, Biscayne National Park, located on the outskirts of Miami is a snorkeler’s or boater’s dream surrounded by sparkling water that protects colorful coral and other marine life. It wasn’t until after I arrived that I realized that the entire park, except a parking lot and a visitor center, consists entirely of water. Although there are canoe rentals onsite, this National park offers some islands that can only be reached by boat. So I spent my time exploring the pathways by the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Walking along the shoreline and taking in the beautiful seascape with the view of the Miami skyline in the background, my dog, Dozer, and I stepped into the cold water and watched as the pelicans basked in the sun. If you’re planning a trip to Biscayne, keep in mind that the park calendar lists when guided boat tours are available; you don’t have to restrict yourself to the shoreline but instead truly get a glimpse of what Biscayne has to offer. So for your next vacation, skip the long lines at theme parks and instead explore South Florida’s National Parks to see why these unique destinations have been preserved and protected for future visitors.
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MAY/JUNE 2017
OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
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