Since our inception in 1969, Friends of the Everglades has been powered by the voices of individuals who believe in protecting one of the world’s great ecosystems. It started with our founder, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and it continues today with you. Together, our voices had tangible, positive impacts in 2021. Successfully pushed the Army Corps of Engineers to adopt a less-damaging Lake Okeechobee management plan, one that will reduce harmful flows to the northern estuaries while increasing necessary flows to the southern Everglades. Worked to stop a proposal to bring non-military aviation to Homestead Air Reserve Base and block a nearby 800-acre industrial development — both of which sit between Biscayne Bay and Everglades National Park. Elevated awareness of the [...]

This time of year always leaves us grateful for a network of people who support and sustain our mission. As 2021 comes to an end, we want to give back — so we’re closing this year out with a special gift for you. If you’ve ever wanted to dig deep into the inner workings of the greater Everglades ecosystem and the many trials that come with preserving it for generations to come, look no further. With the permission of celebrated author Thomas E. Lodge, we’ve dedicated a section of our website to excerpts from his latest book, The Everglades Handbook: Understanding the Ecosystem. This scholarly reference is packed with scientific information about the vast and interconnected Everglades ecosystem and tracks [...]

The Everglades is vast, and restoration is complex. We're breaking it down visually for you. Florida Forest Service Active Burn Tracking Satellite Map: 12-14-21. “Black Snow” Alert Take a look at the image above. This satellite map from the Florida Forest Service shows dozens of sugarcane burns authorized on just one day this week in the Glades communities south of Lake Okeechobee. This harmful practice — which is halted when winds blow towards wealthier, coastal areas to the east — rains ash and smoke on downwind residents almost any given day each year from October to May. Take a minute to imagine what it must be like to live with that as a daily “normal.” Though health concerns resulting from [...]

Friends of the Everglades joined the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and thirteen other environmental and civic organizations November 30, 2021, in filing an amicus brief to challenge the development of Rivergrass Village in Collier County. The development is located within the Rural Lands Stewardship Area (RLSA), adopted in 2002 to protect wetlands and listed species habitat, prevent the premature conversion of agricultural lands, and avoid sprawl in eastern Collier County. The Conservancy’s appeal brief focuses on the fact that the trial court declined to hear evidence that Rivergrass Village will cost Collier County taxpayers millions of dollars, will result in widespread worsening of traffic congestion, and fails to comply with the Collier County Land Development Code. Should the lower court’s [...]