Final answer:
The Everglades' headwaters stem from the Kissimmee River which directs water into Lake Okeechobee, and from there, water flows southward into the Everglades, supporting its diverse wetland ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Everglades National Park is a diverse ecosystem located in southern Florida, comprising wetland environments such as sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps, and estuarine mangrove forests. The park's primary water sources come from the north, beginning with the Kissimmee River, which feeds into Lake Okeechobee through surface runoff and groundwater seepage.
During the wet season, Lake Okeechobee overflows, releasing water into a slow-moving, shallow river that flows southwards into the Everglades. The entire system is part of a larger watershed that spans the region, encompassing various tributaries and water flows. This water flow is essential for maintaining the unique habitats and wildlife, like the great egret depicted in photographs of the region. The Atlantic Wildway connects this region through the Appalachian range, illustrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems from the Canadian Maritime to the Everglades.
Finally, rivers and streams in general, like those supplying the Everglades, are crucial for supporting biodiversity as well as human needs for irrigation and drinking water.