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Everglades National ParkView of Coastal Prairie
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Everglades National Park
Ecosystems: Coastal Lowlands
 
View of Coastal Prairie

Located between the tidal mud flats of Florida Bay and dry land, the coastal lowlands are an arid region of shrubby, salt-tolerant vegetation.  These areas are markedly devoid of mangroves, owing to periodic flooding by hurricanes and the onslaught of heavy winds.

Salinity levels vary greatly among the lowlands, yielding a variety of salt-tolerant communities that thrive here.  These communities are characterized by succulents and other low-growing, desert-like plants that can withstand the harsh growing conditions of the coast.

Aerial View of the Harney River
Other Everglades Ecosystems
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Double-Crested Cormorant
Animals of the Everglades
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Scenic View of Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness  

Did You Know?
Everglades National Park protects the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. The wilderness area is named for Marjory Stoneman Douglas who was instrumental in creating the park, and who coined the phrase "River of Grass."

Last Updated: July 30, 2007 at 10:16 EST