The Everglades is a unique, slow-moving mosaic of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and cypress swamps that forms the heart of subtropical Florida’s ecosystem. Often described as a “river of grass,” this vast wetland supports iconic wildlife—from alligators and wading birds to elusive Florida panthers—and plays a critical role in regional water quality and coastal resilience.

Why the Everglades matters
The Everglades functions as a natural water filtration and storage system. Seasonal sheetflow of fresh water maintains habitat diversity, sustains fisheries and recreational opportunities, and buffers coastal communities from storm impacts.

It also sequesters carbon in peat and mangrove soils, so keeping those habitats healthy has broader climate and ecosystem benefits.

Main threats and conservation priorities
Hydrologic alteration remains the primary challenge. Canal networks, drainage, and water diversion for urban and agricultural use have fragmented historic flow patterns, reducing freshwater delivery to coastal marshes and degrading habitat. Nutrient pollution—especially phosphorus runoff from agricultural lands—has shifted vegetation communities, favoring invasive cattails over native sawgrass and disrupting food webs.

Invasive species present ongoing ecological and management headaches. Burmese pythons, for example, have drastically reduced populations of mid-sized mammals, which reverberates through the food chain.

Sea-level rise and stronger storm surges threaten low-lying mangrove and coastal wetland areas, pushing the system toward more saline conditions.

Restoration efforts and adaptive strategies
Restoration initiatives are focused on reestablishing more natural flow, increasing freshwater storage, and improving water quality before it reaches the wetlands. Projects include reservoir construction, removal or modification of mismatched infrastructure, and expanded wetlands treatment areas that remove excess nutrients. Management increasingly relies on collaborative partnerships among federal, state, tribal, and local organizations, combined with adaptive science to respond to shifting climatic baselines.

Successful restoration requires balancing human water needs with ecosystem requirements—strategies such as underground storage, stormwater treatment, and land acquisitions in critical flow paths are part of that mix. Community engagement and ongoing monitoring help ensure interventions are effective and responsive to emerging threats.

How to experience the Everglades responsibly
Visitors can encounter the Everglades in many ways—short boardwalks and wildlife viewing trails, tram or guided tours in places like Shark Valley, kayak and canoe routes through mangroves, and backcountry boat excursions from coastal access points.

To protect the park and its inhabitants:

– Stay on trails and boardwalks to avoid trampling fragile soils and plants.
– Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals.
– Clean boats, gear, and footwear between water bodies to reduce invasive species spread.
– Pack out trash, minimize noise, and follow posted rules for camping and campfires.
– Check park alerts and weather conditions before heading out.

Support and getting involved

Supporting local conservation groups, contributing to habitat restoration initiatives, and staying informed about water policy decisions helps sustain long-term recovery. Volunteering for habitat restoration, participating in citizen science monitoring, or advocating for balanced water management can have tangible local impacts.

The Everglades remains a working landscape: a complex mix of biodiversity, human use, and restoration ambition. Preserving its flow and resilience ensures this extraordinary wetland continues to deliver ecological, cultural, and recreational benefits for generations of visitors and residents.