Saving the Everglades

Collaborating with diverse stakeholders to yield conservation gains.

Audubon's work to restore the Everglades is focused on implementing the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and other restoration projects to achieve ecological benefits and restore the characteristic abundance of wildlife. Our science and policy staff work together to advocate that sound science underpins plans for restoration and that projects stay focused on birds as a measure of success. The Audubon of Florida state office and Florida's 44 chapters work with other partners and local, state and federal decision makers to build widespread support for the largest ecosystem project underway in the U.S.

A unique ecosystem

Encompassing 3 million acres of wetlands, the Everglades is home to more than 350 species of birds, including the Everglade Snail Kite, Southern Bald Eagle, Wood Stork, and Roseate Spoonbill.

Often called the "River of Grass," the Everglades is a subtropical wilderness featuring slow-moving fresh water that flows south from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, through Lake Okeechobee, and further south through sawgrass and tree islands to the mangroves and seagrasses of Florida Bay. An international ecological treasure for its unique diversity of life, there is no other ecosystem like it in the world.

The Greater Everglades Ecosystem is also an essential element for Florida's economy as an international center for business, agriculture, and tourism. More than 6 million people depend directly on the Everglades for their fresh water supply, making restoration an important issue to maintain quality of life.

Audubon's conservation strategy

Audubon established the Everglades Conservation Office in 1992 as our largest nationwide conservation initiative. Restoring the greater Everglades ecosystem is one of our highest nationwide priorities. Key elements of our strategy include (1) participating closely with restoration decision makers, providing scientific guidance to ensure restoration efforts provide the most possible benefits for the life of the ecosystem, (2) developing and implementing local, regional, and national advocacy, and (3) cultivating an informed and engaged public constituency.

For the latest information about Everglades restoration efforts, please visit the Audubon of Florida Everglades Blog.

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