Big Cypress National Preserve differs from Everglades National Park in that, when it was established by law in 1974, the Miccosukee, Seminole and Traditional people were provided with permanent rights to occupy and use the land in traditional ways; in addition, they have first rights to develop income-producing businesses related to the resources and use of the preserve, such as guided tours. They and other hunters may use off-road vehicles, and home and business owners have been permitted to keep their properties in the preserve.
Early settlers hunted herons and egrets, whose feathers were extremely popular with 19th and 20th-century hat-makers in New York and Paris. Poachers hunted American alligators and crocodiles to near extinction. When the timber industry began to operate in the area, it built railroads, and cut and hauled out most of the cypress ecosystem’s old growth trees. Portions of the Big Cypress were farmed for winter vegetables.
In the 1960s, Native Americans, hunters, and conservationists succeeded at fighting an effort to move Miami International Airport’s international flights to a new airport in the Big Cypress area. They followed up with a campaign to have Big Cypress included in the National Parks System. Although construction of the new airport had already begun, it was stopped after one runway was completed. It is now known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.
Midway Campground
We stayed at midway for a few days. Its located between Miami and Naples Florida and is run by the National Park service. Its a great location to explore Big Cypress Preserve. Not much else to do at the campground. They have electricity, water and a dump station. Camp host was very helpful in recommending things to do.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Amazing, we had so much fun. There are a couple of scenic dirt roads worth exploring. Along the roads are birds and alligators. The Oasis Visitor Center has an elevated boardwalk in front that runs along the canal. We saw many birds and alligators right there.
American Alligator
Adult male American alligators are up to 15 ft in length, and can weigh up to 1,000 lbs. Females are smaller, about 10 ft. The American alligator inhabits freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps. It is distinguished from the American crocodile by its broader snout, overlapping jaws and darker coloration. It is less tolerant of saltwater but more tolerant of cooler climates than the crocodile, which is found only in tropical climates.
Alligators eat fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on insects. They are everywhere in Big Cypress.
We took a relaxing ranger guided canoe trip in the mangroves. They provided 2 guides and the canoes….for no cost, amazing! Came away with bruised bony butts but it was well worth it! What a beautiful and peaceful place.
We learned a lot about the animals and ecosystem of the Everglades. There were very few birds. The ranger went into a lengthy talk on the history of fashion in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. Egret feathers were highly sought after, but also other white feathered birds were decimated to make hats. Plume hunter guide turned game warden Guy Bradley was sickened by the slaughter. He was shot and killed after confronting plume hunters.
The mangroves are so thick that they form tunnels we were able to paddle through. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes and spider webs became prevelant. Sandy was prepared.
On one of our day trips we came across a copperhead snake.
So many birds
We walked along the highway 41 to fish and take photos. We heard hatchling alligators calling their mom. We looked down as saw about half a dozen surrounding us….we promptly changed locations!
We will come back when in the area again!
