Over half of the Everglades

The Florida Everglades once sprawled across 8 million acres. Comprised of subtropical marshlands, tree islands and 'rivers' of sawgrass, the Everglades was formed over thousands of years. It provides food and shelter for many species including alligators, raccoons and wading birds such as Great White Egrets and Ibis.

Over the course of the last 150 years mankind has destroyed over 50% of this once vast expanse. Agricultural and urban development, pollution and unwise water management have all reduced the Everglades to a shadow of its former self. This natural wonder has endured further assault from invasive species such as the Melaleuca tree (introduced to aid drainage for further development of the marshland).

Although efforts have been made to preserve what remains of the Everglades, the area still faces many threats.