The Everglades remains one of the most iconic and fragile wetland systems on the planet — a slow-moving river of grass that supports unique habitats, rare wildlife, and vital coastal estuaries. Understanding what makes this landscape special and how it’s being protected helps everyone enjoy and safeguard its future.
What makes the Everglades unique
A mosaic of sawgrass marshes, mangrove-lined tidal creeks, cypress domes, and pine rocklands, the Everglades is defined by its seasonal sheet flow of fresh water from inland lakes to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. That flow shapes nutrient cycles, plant communities, and fish and bird migrations. Mangroves and seagrass beds at the edge of this freshwater pulse form nurseries that support fisheries and shield shorelines from erosion and storms.
Key conservation challenges
Hydrologic disruption: Channelization, water diversion for agriculture and development, and drainage have altered natural flows. Restoring more natural timing and distribution of water is central to recovery efforts, because many species rely on wet-dry cycles.
Nutrient pollution: Excess phosphorus from agricultural runoff changes plant communities, favoring cattails and invasive plants over native sawgrass, and degrading habitat quality for wading birds.
Invasive species: Non-native species, especially the invasive python, have dramatically reduced populations of medium- and small-sized mammals and altered food webs. Plants such as melaleuca and Brazilian pepper outcompete natives in many areas.
Sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion: Rising seas push saltwater inland, stressing freshwater-dependent habitats and accelerating the loss of low-lying marsh and mangrove transition zones.
Wildlife highlights
The Everglades supports emblematic species including the American alligator, manatee, wood stork, and the imperiled Florida panther. Migratory birds rely on the landscape’s seasonal drying to concentrate prey and create breeding opportunities. Protecting diverse habitats across the watershed is essential for maintaining these populations.
Restoration efforts and progress
Large-scale restoration plans focus on reconnecting the river of grass by capturing, storing, and releasing clean water to mimic natural flows.
Stormwater treatment areas and flow-way projects reduce nutrient loads before water reaches sensitive marshes. Partnerships among federal, state, tribal, and local stakeholders, along with private landowners, drive many on-the-ground projects.
How to experience the Everglades responsibly
– Choose low-impact activities: paddling, guided walks, and birdwatching cause minimal disturbance when done responsibly.
– Respect wildlife: observe from a distance, avoid feeding animals, and follow park rules.
– Use certified guides: local outfitters and tribal-run tours offer deep knowledge of ecology and culturally informed perspectives.
– Support restoration: donate to or volunteer with conservation organizations working on water quality, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration.
Why it matters to everyone
The Everglades is not just a regional treasure — it provides critical ecosystem services like water filtration, storm protection, and carbon storage. Healthy wetlands support commercial and recreational fisheries, protect coastal communities, and preserve cultural connections for Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the landscape for generations.
Keeping momentum on restoration, curbing pollution and invasives, and making climate-smart choices locally and regionally will determine the Everglades’ trajectory.
Visitors and residents can help by advocating for science-based water management, choosing responsible recreation, and supporting organizations focused on long-term resilience. The river of grass has remarkable capacity for recovery when hydrology and human actions align with the needs of this extraordinary ecosystem.
