Everglades at a Glance: Why This Wetland Matters and How You Can Help
The Everglades is a sprawling network of marshes, mangroves, sawgrass prairies, and slow-moving freshwater that forms one of the planet’s most unique and productive ecosystems. Beyond its wildlife charisma—think wading birds, manatees, American alligators and the elusive Florida panther—the Everglades provides vital services: it filters water, buffers storm surge, supports fisheries and supplies drinking water to communities downstream.
What’s at stake
Hydrology is the keystone of the Everglades. Altered water flow from development and drainage has fragmented habitats, concentrated pollutants and allowed invasive species to gain ground.
Nutrient-rich runoff from agricultural lands fuels algal blooms and changes plant communities, while invasive plants and animals disrupt food webs. Rising seas and changing rainfall patterns add pressure by introducing saltwater into freshwater marshes and shifting habitat ranges.
Conservation and restoration efforts
Large-scale restoration initiatives are focused on restoring more natural sheet flow of water across the landscape, improving water storage and treatment, and reconnecting fragmented habitats. Strategies include constructing and operating stormwater treatment areas to remove excess nutrients, modifying canals and levees to reestablish water routes, and increasing storage capacity to better manage freshwater supplies. Collaboration among agencies, tribes, researchers and local communities is central to making restoration work on the landscape scale the ecosystem requires.
Wildlife to watch for
The Everglades supports a dazzling array of life.
Wading birds such as herons and egrets concentrate during dry periods, providing dramatic feeding displays. Manatees rely on healthy seagrass beds, which in turn depend on clear, balanced water conditions.
Apex predators like the American alligator create habitat for other species by digging holes that hold water during droughts. Recovery of the Florida panther continues to be a high priority; conserving large, connected tracts of habitat is essential for their long-term survival.
How visitors can experience it responsibly
Ecotourism brings vital funding and awareness, but low-impact practices are crucial. Stay on designated trails and boardwalks, observe wildlife from a respectful distance, and never feed wild animals. Choose licensed guides for boat or airboat tours that follow local regulations—this supports both visitor safety and wildlife protection.
Consider visiting national and state park visitor centers and taking ranger-led programs to learn about the landscape directly from experts.
Get involved locally
Everyday actions add up.
Support organizations working on Everglades restoration and science-based water policy.
Participate in citizen science projects that monitor water quality, bird populations or invasive species reports. Reduce nutrient runoff at home by limiting fertilizer use, maintaining septic systems, and planting native vegetation that tolerates wet soils.
Why it matters long-term
Protecting the Everglades preserves biodiversity, secures freshwater supplies, supports regional economies through tourism and fisheries, and strengthens coastal resilience. Restoring natural water flow and reducing pollution are central to ensuring the Everglades remains a functioning landscape for people and wildlife alike. Thoughtful choices—by policymakers, land managers and everyday residents—will determine whether this extraordinary wetland continues to thrive for generations to come.
