What is a swamp?

A swamp is a very shallow body of water in a low-lying, poorly drained area.  Generally, trees and high shrubs are found in a swamp along with abundant wildlife.  In the United States, swamps cover approximately 100,000 square miles, most of them occurring as small swamps in northeastern states that were covered with glaciers in the past. The largest swamps are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, notable examples being the Everglades of South Florida, Dismal Swamp of Virginia, and the Okefenokee Swamp of Georgia and northern Florida. To find out more about the swamp and the animals that live there, check out Florida swamp animals.

A typical swamp is full of plants, wildlife, and water!

Many Florida swamps are located near towns and farms.  Find out what's worrying  Florida orange growers...