From Swamp to Wetland: The Creation of Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, underwent a transformative shift from being dismissed as a 'useless swamp' to becoming a globally recognized ecological treasure. This transformation, spanning 1928–1958, was pivotal in shaping modern environmentalism. Advocates for its preservation leveraged emerging ecological principles—highlighting biodiversity, habitat protection, and the intrinsic value of wetlands—to redefine the region's significance. Unlike traditional national parks, the Everglades lacked dramatic landscapes or geological monuments, yet its unique wetland ecosystems became a cornerstone for conservation efforts. The book 'From Swamp to Wetland' documents this paradigm shift, underscoring how scientific understanding and advocacy reshaped public perception and policy, ultimately securing its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wilhelm, C. (2022). From Swamp to Wetland: The Creation of Everglades National Park. https://doi.org/10.1353/book101472