Big Cypress National Preserve Marks 51 Years of Everglades Protection

In October 2025, Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida marks its 51st anniversary as the nation's first national preserve. The preserve, established in 1974, protects a vast 729,000 acres of swampland - an area larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

The creation of Big Cypress National Preserve was a pivotal moment in the history of the Everglades. In the 1960s, plans were unveiled for the world's largest jetport to be built in the Everglades. This threatened to disrupt the delicate ecosystem, prompting a coalition of conservationists, hunters, environmentalists, and Native American tribes to come together and fight for the protection of the swamp.

Their efforts paid off when Big Cypress was designated as a national preserve in 1974. Unlike a national park, a national preserve allows for certain activities like hunting and off-road vehicle use, while still preserving the land's natural resources. Today, the preserve is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including the endangered Florida panther.

Over the past 51 years, Big Cypress has welcomed approximately one million visitors annually, who come to explore the unique mixture of tropical and temperate ecosystems. The preserve's fresh waters also play a vital role in supporting the health of the neighboring Everglades and the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast.