Perhaps the least-known protected area of South Florida is the Big Cypress National Preserve. It was created in 1974 and enlarged in 1988. It now totals 729,000 acres.

The preserve is a wild protected area but some of the pre-existing human uses are still permitted. These include off-roading, hunting, fishing, cattle grazing and oil exploration. Planning and care assure minimal impact.

A northern extention of the Everglades, the area is filled with South Florida wildlife such as alligators, dozens of wildbirds, snakes, deer, racoons, fish, opossums, frogs, and dozens of other small animals.