Come to enjoy South Florida's natural amenities, but please be aware of and respect the true natives--the base of the State's delicate ecology--the organisms and wildlife of the Everglades, estuaries and coral reefs. The ocean's and estuaries' ebb and flow of fresh and salt water, gives birth to microscopic wildlife, the essence of Florida's water world. The Everglades, known as "River of Grass," is really a cyclical flow of water, serving the entire state. From Lake Okeechobee, along the Kissimmee River, water overflows through sawgrass and hammocks, on a leisurely path to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay. Rivers and streams drain into estuaries and bring nutrients from the uplands where they are turned into food for other organisms and fish.

The seagrass beds found throughout the shallow waters in the Keys are considered "nature's cradle." Over 250 different species of algae growing in and on seagrass are the base of the marine food chain. Seagrass catches nutrients, retards erosion and stabilizes marine sediments; it clears the water, allowing sunlight to synthesize nutrients and manufacture microscopic algae. Manatees, sea turtles, fishes, crustaceans and shellfish, forage on both the seagrass and the algae, providing a natural nursery for young fish to feed and grow, and become food supply for other year-round wildlife and birds.

Boaters continue to destroy this ecosystem so PLEASE, know your course, stay within the marked channels, abide by all restricted access signs, and NEVER motor in under four feet of water or anchor over coral.

The Florida Keys also host the only living coral reef in the continental United States. Coral reefs are living, breathing natural wonders, born 5,000-7,000 years ago, growing at the s-l-o-w rate of 1-16 feet every 1,000 years! The living portion of the coral, extracts calcium from seawater and constructs the elaborate limestone skeletons that unite in colonies and form the reef backbone. Sea fans and plumes attach to the hard skeletons, as do microscopic plants that live within the animal tissues. Like a marine tropical rain forest, the coral reef community is a diverse and brightly colored habitat, providing shelter, food and breeding sites for sponges, shrimps, crabs, turtles, lobsters and nearly 600 species of fish.

Florida's coral reefs are protected in two major parks, Biscayne National Park, (located south of Miami's Key Biscayne and north of the Keys) and Key Largo's John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park. Coral reefs, however, are found all along the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys, and wrap around the tip of Key West. These reefs offer a spectrum of color and awe-inspiring marine life, but are so fragile that even a human touch kills them. Please be aware, we are the visitors in this natural habitat and any displacement of plants or animals destroys the delicate ecosystem that we so desperately need to protect!

In addition to the aquatic environment, the animals of the Keys need protection from humans! The miniature Key Deer, found on Big Pine Key were near extinction before concerned citizens raised awareness, and strict enforcement of speed limits and hunting regulations and leash laws helped rebuild their numbers. This unique species of deer grows only two feet high and is greatly susceptible to dog attacks and speeding cars. There is even a $250 fine for feeding the deer as it makes them more tame and vulnerable.

The plight of manatees is well-known, but these gentle mammals are still regularly maimed by speeding boaters disregarding their leisurely swims through shallow waters and canals. Please slow down, observe, and should you dive or swim with manatees, look, but don't touch--they are timid and like all animals, should not be disturbed in their natural habitats.

Sea Turtles and their nests are vigorously protected, for beach development has destroyed nesting areas. Shoreline population causes serious problems for turtles, as lights on the beaches disorient hatchlings and they move toward land instead of instinctively toward the sea. Marathon even holds monthly "Save-A-Turtle" meetings at The Turtle Hospital, in an effort to protect these endangered sea creatures.

Even alligators and crocodiles have been hunted into endangerment. Crocodiles are especially rare, and can be recognized as being lighter in color, with narrower, more pointed snouts than their cousins, the alligators. Dating back millions of years, their role as "Keeper of the Everglades" must be protected. Annually, to prepare for the dry season, the alligator creates "gator holes," which become small oases for all types of wildlife that repopulate and sustain the Everglades food chain. Gators are an attraction in South Florida and while not generally dangerous to humans, they should not be enticed with food or activity. All wild animals should be viewed, but not disturbed.

Birds too, require a refuge, as provided by Big Pine Key's Great White Heron Refuge and Tavernier's Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, which cares for injured birds. Most birds, turtles and fish are injured by discarded fishing hooks, monofilament and plastic 6-pack rings. Please never discard such items--or any trash in the water! Only by understanding how the aquatic ecosystem works and why it needs to remain in its natural state, can we end the destruction and enjoy the coasts and waters of Florida for generations to come. PLEASE protect the fragile amenities you came to enjoy!