Discover the River of Grass with Shark Valley Tram Tours
The Shark Valley Tram Experience with Trained Naturalists
Shark Valley Tram Tours run along the 15-mile loop in Shark Valley, with a trained naturalist guiding the ride and pointing out wildlife as you go. Because the trams are open-air, it’s easy to scan the canal edges for wading birds and alligators, especially in the earlier part of the day.
About halfway through, the stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower is the moment most people remember. It’s 45 feet high, and the view makes the Everglades look exactly the way its nickname suggests: a flat, endless spread of sawgrass that feels like a slow river.
Why the Everglades is Called the “River of Grass”
The nickname “River of Grass” became widely known through environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas and her 1947 book, The Everglades: River of Grass. It fits because the Everglades is essentially a slow-moving, shallow sheet of water flowing through miles of sawgrass marsh.
Long before that, Native Americans referred to the region as “Pa-hay-Okee,” meaning “grassy waters.” Those sawgrass marshes are not just scenery. They form the foundation of the Everglades ecosystem, supporting wildlife such as alligators, herons, and the snail kite.
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River Of Grass Everglades FAQs
How many miles long is the River of Grass?
The Everglades “River of Grass” spans approximately 100 miles from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico, with a width of about 60 miles in some areas.
Why did Marjory Stoneman Douglas write “The Everglades: River of Grass”?
Marjory Stoneman Douglas wrote “The Everglades: River of Grass” to raise awareness about the ecological significance of the Everglades and to advocate for its preservation. Her work was instrumental in changing public perception and promoting conservation efforts for this unique environment.
Why choose an Everglades bike or tram tours over airboat adventures?
Among the choices for Everglades National Park tours, bike and tram tours offer a quieter, more environmentally friendly way to explore the Everglades, minimizing disturbance to wildlife and providing educational insights from experienced guides. Exploring the Everglades with Shark Valley Tram Tours offers memorable Everglades River of Grass adventures that enable you to immerse yourself in the beauty and complexity of this remarkable area.
