DYK: Celebrating Earth Day!

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) works year-round to expedite the largest wetland restoration effort in the world and ensure the ecological health of Central and Southern Florida's natural resources?

Together with our federal, state and local partners, we continue to make significant progress on restoration and resilience efforts that are improving the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Since 2019, the SFWMD has celebrated close to 70 project completions, groundbreakings and other major milestones. These projects are making a real difference for Florida's environment.

In celebration of Earth Day, we are highlighting the SFWMD's important role in managing and protecting our water resources. Every day, District staff are working throughout the region to:

• Advance Everglades restoration
• Safeguard and restore South Florida's ecosystems
• Maintain and improve water quality
• Provide water supply for all of South Florida's needs
• Protect communities from flooding

This Earth Day, SFWMD is also celebrating an important anniversary for Everglades restoration. Three years ago, on April 22, 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a Project Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to begin the federal construction of the crown jewel of Everglades restoration: the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project. The USACE and the SFWMD broke ground on the reservoir component in February 2023. In January 2024, the SFWMD began filling the 6,500-acre EAA Stormwater Treatment Area. When complete, the EAA Reservoir Project will reduce harmful discharges to the northern estuaries and send more water south for the benefit of the Everglades ecosystem and the people of Florida.

Ensuring the health of Central and Southern Florida's water resources benefits all of us. The SFWMD remains committed to continuing the momentum and accelerating key restoration projects that safeguard our precious water resources.

We encourage you to follow the SFWMD on our social media channels for the latest news on Everglades restoration.