South Florida was once a large series of wetlands that ran from the Kissimme River down to the Biscayne Bay. The numerous ponds, slough, sawgrass marshes, hardwood hammock and forested uplands were the basis of an intricate ecosystem that was home to many unique plants and animals. Unfortunately this amazing wetlands was a nightmare for early settlers that were looking for land to settle, farm, and graze their livestock. As these settles began to drain portions of the wetlands the fragile ecosystem began to suffer. Species at the top of the food chain, like the osprey above, were lead indicators of the damage to the environment.
By 1900 early environmentalists and conservationist became concerned about the impact that people were having on the habitat. Besides draining the wetlands, hunters were also killing millions of the wading birds, like the white ibis above. In 1900 Florida instituted a ban on plume hunting in southern Florida but many people were making a living off slaughtering these birds. The ban lead to tensions that eventually got conservation officers killed. In 1928 Ernest Coe began an effort to create the Everglades National Park and in 1934 congress finally designated the park. It took supports another 13 years to purchase the land and in 1947 the Everglades National Park was dedicated.
8 comments:
A sad expose' on human nature. And, it still goes on and not just in Florida. And, that someone would kill just to be able to hunt other birds and animals ... I will never understand. In fact, there is much I am not understanding in our country these days. Don't know what happened to values ... Good post. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Andrea @ From The Sol
Olá,
Muito bonito!!!
Bjs fraternos de paz
Magnificent nature photography as always ~ Wow for OWT ^_^
Magnificent nature photography as always ~ Wow for OWT ^_^
Muito lindas! beijos,chica
Great shot of the osprey - and thanks for the narrative. Amazing sometimes how slow we humans are to act - and still are unfortunately. And thank goodness for such passionate people too.
Beautiful birds. The everglades must have been an amazing place before so much was messed up by humans!
Looks like home, but with better pictures! Thanks for writing about the problems and history..story that needs to be shared.
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