Lakes, Rivers and Springs The bountiful rivers, lakes and springs offer opportunities for canoeing, diving and swimming. Lakes are common in central and north Florida. Florida has about 1700 rivers running through the panhandle and along the gulf coast of the peninsula which eventually find their way to the sea. Also more than 300 crystal clear, cold water springs discharge ground water into the rivers which are winter home to inhabitants, such as the endangerd Manatees. Other creatures that live in the State's rivers are: 126 species of native fish, aquatic insects; crayfish, clams and snails.
					Coastal Area Florida's sandy-beach coastline is the longest in the United States. Waving sea oats stabilize the dunes and offer nesting cover to many species of shore birds. The coastal area has various habitats with constantly moving and changing shapes from wind and waves. Along the coastal area beaches are stopover resting places for birds migrating to and from the tropics and North America.
				Freshwater, Saltwater Marshes and Swamps Freshwater marshes border some rivers and dominate the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee. These are covered with grassy vegetation and flowering plants. Freshwater swamps are usually characterized by Cypress or Bay trees, which may occur in long strands along streams. The shallow waters of salt marshes contain many kinds of sea grass, which offers food and shelter for marine life, such as shrimp, fish, crabs, oysters and others. The salt marshes are flat, treeless meadows covered with waving grasses.
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