This was a historic year for Friends of the Everglades. We stood in the national spotlight as we waged a formidable battle against the reckless detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” that threatened the very land that inspired our founding fifty-six years ago.  We were well-equipped to respond to meet that moment with strength. In recent years, we’ve revitalized the organization that Marjory Stoneman Douglas founded — sharpening our focus, deepening our scientific expertise, forging alliances, expanding our reach and bolstering our voice as a trusted source on issues across the Greater Everglades ecosystem.  The battle in Big Cypress is our origin story. In 1969, developers tried to build the largest jetport in the world on this stretch of [...]

This year underscored the urgency of Friends of the Everglades’ work to protect the water, wildlife and wilderness that are vital to the future of Florida. Threats to the Greater Everglades ecosystem came in many forms — including rapidly intensifying hurricanes, overdevelopment, and even our own state government — and we were well-positioned to respond. That’s because of your support. At Friends of the Everglades, we pride ourselves on being nimble and tough, just like our founder, Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Your donations directly power the legal legwork, advocacy, science and education that led to the following tangible impacts this year. We’re proud to present them to you in this report. Helped stop the State Parks sneak [...]