Everglades

 

What is a Marsh and Swamp?

 

Marsh: A type of wetland featuring grasses, rushes, weeds, and sedges. A marsh can be freshwater, salt water, or brackish.

Swamp: Low land that is seasonably flooded. A swamp is characterized by the presence of large trees.

 

What is an Example of a Marsh or Swamp?

 

The Everglades is a vast area of marshes, sloughs, and swamps in southern Florida. It is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the continental U.S. It is actually a slow moving river home to thousands of species of plants and animals. It is one of the most imperiled ecosystems in the world and is the only place to see alligators and crocodiles in the same habitat. Endangered species such as the Florida Panther, West Indian Manatee and Snail Kite live within the confines of the Everglades. Everglades National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, only protects about 20 percent of the Everglades. The entire system has been negatively impacted by water pollution and population growth.