You are here

Home » Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

New Name, Same Job: Supporting National Parks In Florida

For the past 21 years, the South Florida National Parks Trust has worked to raise charitable dollars for Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and Everglades national parks and Big Cypress National Preserve. As the funding increased, so did the Trust's reach. To reflect its work effort and the many individuals and organizations involved in it, the Trust is now The Alliance for Florida's National Parks.

National Parks Traveler Episode 107: Rebuilding Coral Reefs At Dry Tortugas National Park

National park podcasts, best national park podcast, coral reefs

Coral is a foundation species – one that creates the habitats that support biodiversity and provides essential shoreline protection. The waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, which lies about 60 miles to the west of Key West, Florida, are home to some 30 species of coral. One type –- Elkhorn Coral -- rises above the rest, literally and figuratively, for its importance in the region. It also happens to be the most threatened.  

2nd Annual Threatened and Endangered Parks: America’s Reeling Reefs

The first standardized national assessment of coral reefs in all U.S. states and territories finds that conditions in vital marine ecosystems are fair but vulnerable and declining. “We’re buying time,” one NOAA marine biologist says of reef conservation efforts in the face of climate change.

Research Shows Transplanting Staghorn Corals Could Help The Species Recover In The Caribbean

In the watery world of national parks that touch the Caribbean Sea and the Straits of Florida, staghorn corals add some height to reefs. Their outstretched arms rise from the reefs, often mimicking elk or deer antlers to onlookers with some imagination. But since the 1970s more than 95 percent of these distinctive corals have died, and fears that they would vanish were growing. Now, though, research indicates that a vigorous transplanting initiative possibly could help recover the species.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.