Photo Essay, Hernandez-Piña

The Jewel of Florida: The Everglades 

Attached below are the PowerPoint slides:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IthulomnS9MsIc99cr2VD8sbe1eExkT5QBeTRzbWno4/edit?usp=sharing 

Essay:

The Florida Everglades is a vast wetland that stretches across South Florida and is one of the most distinctive landscapes in the United States. Often described as a “river of grass,” the Everglades is known for its slow-moving water that flows from Lake Okeechobee in central Florida to Florida Bay. This gradual movement of freshwater shapes the region’s sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests and wetlands, creating an ecosystem unlike any other in the world. 

Congress authorized Everglades National Park in 1934, recognizing the area’s exceptional environmental value. At the time, the Everglades covered nearly 11,000 square miles. Decades of drainage projects, agricultural expansion and urban development that began in the early 20th century significantly altered that landscape. Canals, levees and roads disrupted the natural flow of water, shrinking the Everglades and changing how it functions. 

Despite these changes, the Everglades remains a critical natural resource. Its slow-moving waters support rare plant life and a wide range of wildlife that evolved specifically to live in the wetlands. Cypress domes rise from shallow marshes, while mangroves protect coastlines from erosion and storm surge. Seasonal floodings and drying cycles create habitats that sustain fish, birds, reptiles and mammals, many of which rely on the Everglades for survival. 

The Everglades also plays a crucial role in Florida’s water system. The wetland acts as a natural filter, improving water quality as it moves south. Millions of Floridians depend on the aquifer recharged by the Everglades for drinking water. When the ecosystem is disrupted, the effects extend beyond wildlife, threatening water availability, public health and the state’s economy. 

Preservation efforts have grown as awareness of the Everglades’ importance has increased. Everglades National Park was dedicated and opened to the public in 1947, becoming a symbol of conservation at a time when environmental protection was still not common. Today, the park is recognized internationally as a World Heritage Site and a Wetland of International Importance. 

Restoration initiatives have aimed to reverse decades of damage by restoring more natural water flow and improving water quality. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is one of the largest environmental restoration projects in U.S. history. The plan includes dozens of projects designed to reduce pollution, store freshwater and redirect water to areas that have been deprived for decades. 

Progress has been slow and costly, and challenges remain. Population growth in South Florida has demanded for more land and water, while climate change poses other threats. Rising sea levels have allowed saltwater to move farther inland, threatening freshwater supplies and effecting delicate habitats.

Even so, scientists and conservationists emphasize that protecting the Everglades is essential. The ecosystem’s health is closely tied to Florida’s environmental stability and economic future. Tourism, fishing and agriculture all depend, directly or indirectly, on a functioning Everglades system.

More than 90 years after it was designated a national park. The Everglades stands as both a cautionary tale and a symbol of resilience. Its history reflects the consequences of unchecked development, while ongoing preservation and restoration efforts highlight the potential to repair damaged ecosystems. As pressures on natural resources continue to grow, the Everglades remains a powerful reminder of the need to balance human activity with environmental stewardship.