From flood protection and water quality, to wildlife habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities, wetlands provide numerous benefits for people and the environment.
Did you know the South Florida Water Management District works year-round to protect and restore thousands of acres of wetlands throughout our 16-county region? In fact, the largest wetland restoration efforts in the world are located right here in South Florida.
In recognition of World Wetlands Day, we're highlighting the significant progress that has been made to restore and revitalize our wetland ecosystems and protect South Florida’s water resources.
Working with our local, state and federal partners, the SFWMD continues to accelerate restoration projects that protect America’s Everglades – the world’s most iconic wetland – and ensure this unique ecosystem can be enjoyed for future generations.
Recent restoration successes include:
- Completion of the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area, which created 6,300 acres of new wetlands.
- Completion of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, which restores 20,000 acres of wetlands.
- Completion of the restoration of 6,700 acres of wetlands at Allapattah Flats, which helps improve water quality in the St. Lucie Estuary.
- Activation of the Faka Union Pump Station, which works to rehydrate 55,000 acres of drained wetlands in the Picayune Strand State Forest.
- Acquisition of 20,000 acres of critical Everglades wetlands in Water Conservation Area 3 within the Everglades Protection Area to save these lands from oil drilling.
- Accelerating the restoration of 7,800 acres of former citrus groves into a productive wetland habitat as part of the Sam Jones/Abiaki Prairie Restoration Project in Hendry County.
- Started construction on the Indian River Lagoon - South C-23/24 Stormwater Treatment Area.
- Broke ground on the Taylor Slough Flow Improvement Project within Everglades National Park to improve the distribution of freshwater flows and restore natural plant communities and wetlands.
The State of Florida continues to have historic momentum in restoring the Everglades and protecting our natural resources. A number of initiatives and construction projects are underway to benefit the Everglades and significant progress continues to be made in many areas.
Learn more about how the SFWMD protects and restores South Florida’s ecosystems.