I’m a little embarrassed to admit that, as a Florida resident, I’ve never been to the Everglades. I’ve traveled all around the state of Florida, especially when I was in undergrad, but I never made my way down to South Florida to experience this vast and incredible ecosystem- over 200 million acres.  This area is home to hundreds of different plants and animals, including some of Florida and the United States most endangered. The Florida Panther and the West Indian Manateeare probably the most well known, but other animals including bison, white tail deers, wild boars, bottle-nose dolphins, American alligators, wood stork and spoonbills call this area home.

On Monday, I, along with my parents (who had never been either), took an afternoon trip to the Everglades, rode on an air boat and ventured through the wetlands. It was amazing to see so many animals coexist and the changing marsh, mangroves and forest blend from one to the other. 

This was the type of trip that makes you appreciate your home, mother nature and also to re-evaluate humans effects on the environment and the native animals.

These photos are some of the animals we saw on our buggy and air boat tour. And, I’ve submitted them to Budget Travelers Sandbox, Thursday Travel Photo series.