In recognition of World Wetlands Day, the South Florida Management District (District) is highlighting the significant progress that continues to be made to restore, revitalize and protect the world's most iconic wetland - America’s Everglades.

DID YOU KNOW: The Everglades ecosystem supplies drinking water for South Florida, supports thousands of species and protects communities.

CONTINUED MOMENTUM: The District and our partners are working every day to accelerate restoration projects that are improving the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Together we have completed, broken ground or reached a major milestone on more than 80 Everglades restoration projects since 2019. 

RESTORING PICAYUNE STRAND: In January 2026, the District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection celebrated the completion of a major Everglades restoration project in Collier County – the Picayune Strand Restoration Project. 

RECLAIMING LOST WETLANDS: The Picayune Strand Restoration Project restores the natural flow of water throughout 55,000 acres of native Florida wetlands that are critical to the health of the Everglades ecosystem. This land was drained in the early 1960s in anticipation of what was intended to become the largest residential subdivision in the world. Rehydration of these wetlands supports wildlife habitat, water quality improvements, and overall ecosystem restoration efforts in the region.

IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS: Wetlands provide many important benefits, including:

Enhance Water Quality: Wetland plants help remove nutrients from the water as it flows through the ecosystem.  

Protect Water Supplies: Wetlands help recharge aquifers and groundwater supplies.

Flood Protection: Wetlands store excess water during times of heavy rains.

Plant and Wildlife Habitat: Wetlands provide important habitat for native plants and wildlife, including wading birds and fish. 

Outdoor Recreation: Wetlands provide many recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy, including fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, and more.

LEARN MORE: We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Restoration to learn more about the importance of wetlands and the comprehensive effort to protect and restore the Everglades – now and for future generations.