Everglades: Why this “River of Grass” matters and what’s at stake

The Everglades is a vast subtropical wetland that supports an extraordinary array of wildlife and plays a central role in the water security and ecology of southern Florida. Often called a “river of grass,” its slow-moving sheet flow once carried freshwater from inland marshes down to coastal estuaries, creating the mosaic of sawgrass prairie, mangrove forests, cypress strands, and coastal bays that make the region globally unique.

What makes the Everglades special
– Biodiversity hotspot: The landscape shelters iconic species such as wading birds, Florida panthers, American crocodiles, manatees, and countless fish and invertebrates. Its mix of fresh and brackish habitats supports migratory birds and rare plants.
– Natural water filtration: Wetlands act as nature’s water treatment plants—trapping sediments, cycling nutrients, and buffering downstream estuaries from freshwater surges.
– Carbon storage and coastal protection: Peat soils and vegetated marshes store carbon and help reduce flood and storm impacts on nearby communities.

Key challenges facing the Everglades
– Altered hydrology: Decades of canals, levees, and water diversion disrupted historic sheet flow. Reduced freshwater delivery and changed timing of flows have stressed plants and wildlife adapted to seasonal pulses.
– Water quality issues: Excess nutrients—particularly phosphorus—from agricultural runoff and urban areas promote invasive cattails and algal blooms that choke native vegetation and reduce habitat quality.
– Invasive species: Non-native predators and plants, such as Burmese pythons and aggressive exotic trees, outcompete native wildlife and alter food webs.

– Sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion: Rising seas and storm surge push saltwater inland, threatening freshwater marshes and accelerating peat loss and coastal habitat conversion.
– Development pressures: Urban growth and agriculture in adjacent areas continue to compete for water and land, complicating restoration efforts.

What restoration looks like
Large-scale efforts aim to restore more natural flow patterns and improve water quality through a mix of engineering and ecosystem-based solutions.

Strategies include re-establishing overland sheet flow where possible, creating storage reservoirs to capture and release freshwater at appropriate times, and using constructed stormwater treatment areas to reduce nutrient loads before water reaches sensitive marshes. Collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local partners, alongside scientific monitoring, underpins most projects.

How you can help and experience the Everglades responsibly
– Visit thoughtfully: Eco-tours, boardwalks, and ranger programs offer ways to see wildlife without disturbing fragile habitats.

Follow park rules, give animals space, and never feed wildlife.
– Reduce nutrient runoff: Minimize fertilizer use around homes and support green stormwater infrastructure in your community.
– Support conservation groups: Local organizations often need volunteers for habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and citizen science monitoring.
– Learn and advocate: Staying informed about water policy, restoration funding, and land-use decisions helps ensure long-term protection of the Everglades.

The Everglades is both resilient and vulnerable. With coordinated action—combining smart water management, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and community engagement—this remarkable landscape can continue to sustain wildlife, protect coasts, and support millions who depend on its waters. Visiting with care and supporting restoration efforts are simple ways to contribute to a healthier Everglades for generations to come.