Created 24-Sep-20
Modified 16-Aug-23
Almost all of South Florida's coastline from the northern part of Biscayne Bay south to Florida Bay and Gulf side of the Florida Keys, and then northwest to Sanibel Island was historically ringed by mangrove forest grading to other salt-tolerant herbs, grasses, and buttonwood forests on the landward edge. Urbanization has removed some of those mangroves, particularly along Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys, but one of the world's largest mangrove forests remains in the Ten Thousand Islands of Everglades National Park.
Mangroves provide significant ecological benefits as nurseries for invertebrates, fish, and birds and reduce wave impacts from tropical storm systems. Unfortunately in 2017, Hurricane Irma damaged 60% of the mangroves in Everglades National Park removing 40% of the total canopy. A 2m storm surge carrying mud and water from Florida Bay devastated the black and white mangrove forest between Rowdy Bend and Flamingo. The mud deposits created an anoxic soil condition that killed the roots of almost all of the trees. It will take decades for this part of the forest to regenerate.
Mangrove forests and the coastal prairies can seem intimidating at first glance, but with adequate mosquito protection, patience for moving slowly, and an adventurous spirit, this community hosts a bevy of rare and interesting plants and opportunities for stunning landscapes.
Photographs in this section were made from the air in a Cessna 172; in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Goodland; Everglades National Park: Bear Lake Trail, Coot Bay Hammock; Coot Bay Pond, Christian Point Trail, Eco Pond, Flamingo, Mahogany Hammock; Mrazek Pond, Snake Bight Trail, West Lake; Crane Point Hammock, Marathon; Long Key State Park, Islamorada; Matheson Hammock Park, Coral Gables; Ludovici Park, Palmetto Bay; Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island and at a remnant Indian midden on Chokoloskee Island near Everglades City.
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All images © Christopher P. Migliaccio
