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Park Stories National Park Service National Parks of South Florida U.S. Department of the Interior Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks Big Cypress National Preserve Park Stories Current Stories and Events National Parks in South Florida, 2006 Invasive Species: Biodiversity Run Amok South Florida South Florida’s national parks and biological control, food, aesthetics, etc.) More recently, Old World Climbing National Parks... preserves are celebrated for their have also occurred. Fern (Lygodium microphyllum), which diversity of life. Plants and animals produces miniscule airborne spores, ... protect coral reefs, fragile estuaries, from the temperate north, the tropical Many exotic plants, such as Brazilian has begun to infest large tracts of sub-tropical forests and some of the larg- south, and surrounding marine Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), are Everglades National Park and Big est natural areas east of the Mississippi environments mix and mingle in extremely prolifi c. Birds eat their tiny Cypress National Preserve. River, and preserve a rich human history. these sanctuaries to provide greater red fruit and biodiversity than possibly any region of spread them via Twelve exotic fi sh ... are home to a variety of temperate and comparable size in the United States. their digestive Invasive exotics can wreak species have made tropical plants and animals that co-mingle nowhere else within the United States. systems. Coastal havoc on natural communities. their way, via More reptile and amphibian species Australian Pine canals, into the occur in Big Cypress National Preserve (Casuarina vast Everglades ... provide a wide range of recreational op- than in all of Minnesota. More equisetifolia) and wetlands. portunities for visitors and residents. kinds of birds have been observed in Asiatic Colubrina (Colubrina asiatica) The Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma Everglades National Park than in West produce fl oating fruit which can travel urophthalmus), an aggressive, hardy ... are interconnected by water fl owing Virginia. The number of fi sh species in long distances by tides and winds. Central American species, thrives from through Florida from Kissimmee to the Biscayne National Park exceeds all the Keys. fi sh, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and Continued on page 9 mammals combined in Yellowstone ... are special places saved by the Ameri- National Park. can people so that all may experience our heritage. That’s the good news. The same conditions which have enriched South Florida’s native fl ora and fauna support What’s Inside? overwhelming numbers of non-native (exotic) species. Big Cypress National Preserve ... 2-3 While many exotics pose little threat to Biscayne National Park ... 4-5 native ecosystems, large numbers are invasive, meaning they have invaded Everglades National Park ... 6-7 natural areas and compete aggressively with native plants and animals. Florida Dry Tortugas National Park ... 8 is listed with California, Hawaii, and Louisiana as having the greatest number Kids’ Corner ... 9 of invasive species in the country. South Florida alone contains more Invasive Species (continued) ... 9 invasive animals than any region of the U.S. —biodiversity trivia that’s not South Florida worth bragging about! National Parks Partners ... 10-11 South Florida’s warm climate and Endangered Species in proximity to the tropics make it a South Florida National Parks ... 12 major center for import, breeding and distribution of non-native tropical Check out the South Florida species. Some plants and animals National Parks Trip Planner accidentally escape into the wild, The Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) is a major threat to native plant communities within for details on park facilities. but intentional releases (for sport, the greater Everglades ecosystem. It envelopes large areas of trees, eventually killing them. Photo Courtesy of the South Florida Water Management District. Big Cypress National Preserve What’s the Reason for Subtropical Seasons? Raining, fl owing, and standing still What You Can Discover bouquets of white Swamp Lilies and essential waters of Big Cypress National Observing closely will allow you to pink Marsh-mallows dotting the Preserve assist in establishing a sub- discover seasonal changes that herald prairies. Duckweed, which consists of tropic climate Marjory Stoneman Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter in several miniscule plants, can also be Douglas describes in her famous book South Florida. seen during the summer months, its The Everglades: River of Grass. green clusters atop the water. Discovering the Preserve’s watery ways Jumping into spring the Lubber Established in 1974 leads to an understanding of this unique grasshoppers’ eggs hatch while the Beautiful Swamp maple leaves start to 729,000 acres climate. Cypress trees burst out new, bright turn red greeting the fall. In September, green needles. In Broom Sedge grasses can be seen Important Information Defi ning the February, returns producing seeds with delicate feather- seasons within Big the Swallow-tail like wings. The Cypress needles start to Mailing Address “This land, by the maps, is in Cypress National kite identifi able 33100 Tamiami Trail East the temperate zone. But the turn brown and begin to fall forming a Ochopee, FL 34141 Preserve are its arid by its deeply blanket around the buttress or base of months as well as laws of the rain and of the forked tail. Male the trunk. Phone its rainy months. seasons here are tropic laws,” alligators also Toll-free 24 Hour Emergency During the wet Marjory Stoneman Douglas come strutting to During the winter months water levels (800) 788-0511 or #NPS on cell season (May The Everglades: River of Grass do a little courting recede drastically. This season fi nds the Big Cypress Visitor Center through October) and shaking things birds of the preserve busy. The brown (239) 695-1201 the preserve up with their and white feathered Osprey begins Big Cypress ORV Information receives 80 percent of over four feet vibrating bellows. These frisky alligator construction of its nest as wading birds (239) 695-1205 of annual rainfall. This vital fresh actions are interesting to watch, but like concentrate in the last remaining water. Big Cypress Hunting Information water system intertwines itself with all wildlife should be viewed from a safe It is in these last remaining pools the (239) 695-2040 the region’s seasons while supplying and respectful distance. Report hunting violations immediately to endangered Wood stork maybe found (800) 788-0511 many residents of Florida with drinking capturing its food by the feel of its beak, water. Summer storms brew up bringing this is called tactile feeding. Website deafening crashes of thunder, blinding www.nps.gov/bicy/ Some seasons charge at your senses lightning, and dramatic rains. For Each season renews an invitation like a bull dashing towards a red cape. adventurous hikers to Big Cypress for exploration. The wet and dry Northern states display bright colored National Preserve this wet season conditions of the preserve supply life leaves shimmering on trees or brisk off ers an exclusive experience of and the possibility to observe rare plants frosty air nipping at ones nose. The swamp walks into waist deep waters. National Park Service and animals suited to this irreplaceable U.S. Department of the In te ri or subtle, or maybe not so subtle, seasons The small Gambusia or mosquito fi sh world of dampness. At Big Cypress of Big Cypress off er a challenge to the takes advantage of this water as well National Preserve no matter what inquisitive observers’ eye. to reproduce and thrive by eating season you choose to visit an adventure mosquito larvae. June pops in bringing is waiting! The National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, was Though not as established in 1916 to manage a growing extreme as system of national parks. Today, the Northern seasons, National Park System consists of 388 there are seasonal units. National Parks, National Preserves, changes in the Seashores, Monuments, Historic Sites, sub-Tropics as Lakeshores, Battlefi elds, and others make well. Within Big up a great repository of national treasures Cypress these entrusted to the National Park Service. changes may be In South Florida, nearly 2.5 million acres subtle, but can of pineland, prairie, tropical hardwoods, still be seen. From mangrove forests, estuaries and coral the fl ush of Kelly reefs are preserved for this and future green in new generations. Their scientifi c, recreational, cypress needles aesthetic and educational values are in the spring, the limitless. steel blue-grey of summer storm Experience Your America clouds, the russet auburn of a fall National Parks Guide is published as a sunset on bare service to park visitors through a cypress, to the generous donation by the Everglades snow-like white Association. of wading birds feeding in a fast disappearing winter pond. 2 National Park Stories Big Cypress Activities January - April 2005 S M T W T F S “What’s that, Ranger?” Daily at 2:00 p.m., 30-minutes. Join a Ranger or a Big Cypress volunteer at H. P. Williams picnic area for a talk on the natural variety that can be discovered within the Big Cypress Swamp. A spotting scope will be available to x x x x x x x get a close-up look at alligators and a variety of birds. No reservations required. Wheelchair accessible. Kirby Storter Boardwalk Strolls Thursday through Saturday at 2:00 p.m., one-hour. Explore a variety of habitats, and venture into the heart of a cypress strand during this one mile leisurely stroll along the Kirby Storter Boardwalk. Bring binoculars, water x x x and insect repellent. Meet at the boardwalk parking area on US 41. No reservations required. Wheelchair accessible. Canoe Trips Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m., 4 to 5 hours. We’ll provide canoes and equipment or you may bring your own.
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