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Our
Mission |
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To protect, restore, and preserve the
Greater Kissimee-Okeechobee-Everglades Ecosystem, and the
water that is the lifeblood of the world's only
Everglades. |
A Few Details
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We have approximately 4000 members.
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The Executive Committee and the Board of Directors
are all volunteers. The work of the organization is done by
volunteers.
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We follow all legislative and developmental projects
which impact the Everglades. We participate in all
activities through which the public is involved in the legal
decision-making processes.
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When necessary, we legally challenge govermental and
other practices which threaten the survival of the
Everglades. An online description of our legal actions will
soon be available.
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We work to educate the public about Everglades
Issues.
Our Founder: Marjory Stoneman Douglas
A famous author and writer, Marjory Stoneman Douglas died in 1998 a the age of 108.
She
wrote "The Everglades: River of Grass" in 1947. Her father,
Frank Stoneman, founded the Miami Herald. Ms. Douglas was awarded
the Medal of Freedom in 1993 by President Clinton for her work on
behalf of the Florida Everglades. The Medal of Freedom is our
nation's highest civilian award.
Some quotes:
"There are no other Everglades in the world."
"There is a balance in man also, one which has set against his greed and his inertia and his foolishness.... Perhaps even in this last hour, in a new relation of usefulness and beauty, the vast magnificent, subtle and unique region of the Everglades may not be utterly lost." River of Grass (1947)
The Everglades Ecosystem
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The Everglades stretches over 100 miles from the
Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee around Disney World through
Florida Bay.
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It's dying. It has been ditched, diked, and drained
for a century.
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The Everglades is under assault from pollution.
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Only half of the Everglades is left, 50% has been
drained.
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Of the nesting wading birds that existed in the
1930's, 94% are gone.
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The Everglades is the sole source of drinking water
for more than 6 million people in Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach
counties.
The Everglades is undergoing the largest environmental
repair job in human history. The Army Corps of Engineers is
re-plumbing the system to save it. At stake is the only wetland of
its kind in the world. It is home to over 50 endangered and
threatened species. This is more than any other state except
California. There are fewer than 50 Florida Panthers left.
Membership
The Florida Everglades, like the rain forests of the
world, are loved around the world. It has become a national priority
to save the Everglades. Your donation to Friends of the Everglades
will help us with this fight. But more importantly, you will be an important
part of this remarkable dream - Marjory's dream...
Join Marjory's Friends Today! |
