Recently, the South Florida team of SEO Smooth took an airboat ride through the Everglades with Captain Bob, courtesy of Sawgrass Recreation Park. It was a sunny day with just the right amount of wind for the team to really enjoy the ride. The hosts were warm and inviting from the start, and the team instantly felt safe with them leading the way.
The airboat ride was a fun and educational event that kept the attention of all who attended. The Everglades is a unique area with a multitude of different grasses, animals, trees, and what seems like serene scenery. All around seemed peaceful, until the alligators made their appearance! While amazing to see them in action, it is still a bit scary when you are that close to them. Though they seemed ready to smile for photos, their mouths were certainly open for other reasons.
After the ride, the team took some time to tour the exhibits at Sawgrass and were able to see many animals that they otherwise would have never come in contact with. Sawgrass rescues the animals from people that have them illegally, and bring them back to the park to be cared for in a more natural habitat. They even have a black leopard and a bobcat! In addition to the more exotic animals, they also have common wildlife that is found in Florida for those visiting to see. The SEO Smooth team even got to hold a baby alligator!
Captain Bob shared a wealth of valuable information with the team during their time with him. The Everglades is the prime water supply for millions of Florida residents and houses 68 different species of animals, some of which are endangered. While the Everglades seems to be thriving with its lush trees and living creatures that call it home, there are still many factors to consider.
Efforts are underway to clean and improve the flow of water through the dense 18,000 square miles of the Everglades. It has also been proposed that new marshes be built to help the flow an condition of the water going south. The solution has been compared to a puzzle in the sense that when you think the piece fits just right, another one pops out. There are many factors that contribute to the preservation of the Everglades, and many man hours have gone into trying to find the perfect solution to keep the area thriving. With it being the main source of water for the majority of people in the area, and home to so much vegetation and wildlife, it is imperative that we do all that we can to preserve and improve it.
It is important to remember that it takes a great deal of effort to help save the Everglades, and every contribution helps. This doesn’t necessarily mean monetary donations. Using your car less to decrease emissions and recycling items instead of disposing of them are great ways to assist in preserving the environment. Replacing light bulbs, mowing your lawn less, minimizing water usage, and not littering is also helpful when it comes to preservation of the land. Simple changes in our daily routines can have a huge impact on the environment around us, and help to keep it beautiful in its natural state. Consider tweaking your habits minimally to positively help your surroundings.
Touring the area was a small event for the team, but they left with a new appreciation for the land and a sense that every decision we make affects the environment in one way or another.
