Ecosystems Research Journal Everglades Research Journal Robin Johnson CRABTREE Publishing Company www crabtreebooks com
Mission to the Everglades Time to get out my rubber boots I just found out I am going on a research trip to the Everglades in Florida I have wanted to explore this huge wetland area ever since I became a wildlife biologist A wetland is land covered with water for part or all of the year The Humans for Habitats organization is sending me there They want me to see how a decrease in fresh water is affecting the land plants and animals I will also look for species that do not belong there signs of pollution and other threats My report will include the actions being taken to save the Everglades EVERGLADES 4
I started planning my trip right away I will spend most of my time in Everglades National Park It is one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States There are two seasons in the Everglades dry season and wet season The wet season is too hot and rainy to observe the ecosystem easily I have decided to travel during the dry season when water levels are low Animals will have to gather together at water holes to drink That is perfect for curious scientists There are thousands of different plants and animals in the Everglades These include more than 360 types of birds Dry season lasts from about November to March Wet season lasts from about April to October The Everglades used to cover almost 11,000 square miles 28,000 square kilometers People began to drain water from the land in the late 1800s so they could farm and build towns and roads Only half of the original wetlands are left today 5
