Real Progress in Everglades Restoration

April 29, 2023
From major policy wins to on-the-ground results, see how science and grassroots advocacy are driving measurable change for Florida’s water.

Conservation That Delivers Real Results

Everglades restoration is one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts in the world. Progress is happening.

Across Florida, coordinated efforts are producing measurable outcomes:

  • New water storage and treatment projects coming online
  • Reduced harmful discharges in key regions
  • Rehydration of critical wetlands
  • Early signs of ecosystem recovery in targeted areas
https://captainsforcleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Roseate_Spoonbills_in_the_Everglades.jpg

Science + Advocacy + Policy = Momentum

Real conservation impact is the result of aligned effort across science, policy, and community action.

Key Drivers of Progress:

  • Science-Led Planning: Restoration projects are guided by data, modeling, and long-term ecosystem goals
  • Policy Wins: Legislative and funding decisions have unlocked critical restoration projects, including faster progress than expected on the EAA reservoir
  • Grassroots Advocacy: Community voices have helped prioritize Everglades restoration at the state and federal level. Hundreds of thousands of Floridians have signed petitions, called their legislators, and travelled to Tallahassee to advocate for the Everglades

Together, these forces are combining to create significant change across the state.

Milestones That Are Moving the Needle

Recent years have brought significant breakthroughs in Everglades restoration.

Examples of Progress:

  • EAA Reservoir under construction to store, treat, and send more water south into the Everglades
  • Associated EAA Reservoir Stormwater Treatment Area completed to remove nutrients and ensure cleaner water reaches the ecosystem
  • Increased capacity to move water south toward the Everglades
  • Strategic efforts and operational plans to reduce damaging estuary discharges

Each milestone brings Florida closer to restoring a more natural and balanced water system.

https://captainsforcleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC07770.jpg

Real Impact for Ecosystems and Communities

Restoration wins have real-world impact across Florida’s environment AND economy.

  • Healthier estuaries and coastal waters
  • Improved conditions for wildlife and fisheries
  • More reliable water resources for communities
  • Reduced risk of harmful algal blooms

Progress in the Everglades means progress for the entire state.

Community Action Is Driving Change

Behind every major policy win is a groundswell of public support.

Grassroots advocacy has played a critical role in:

  • Elevating Everglades restoration as a statewide priority
  • Influencing funding and policy decisions
  • Holding leaders accountable for progress
  • Building long-term momentum for conservation
https://captainsforcleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSC03056-e1772049931581.jpg

Momentum Is Building But the Work Isn’t Finished

While progress is real, full restoration is a long-term effort that requires continued focus.

What’s Ahead:

  • Completing major infrastructure projects
  • Continuing to stand up against bad bills when they are introduced during legislative sessions
  • Expanding water storage and treatment capacity
  • Continuing to restore natural flow patterns
  • Ensuring long-term funding and accountability

See the Progress. Understand the Impact.

Everglades restoration is delivering real results today and shaping Florida’s future for generations to come. Stay connected to hear the latest updates.

Sign up below to get the latest news, updates, and opportunities to support the movement for clean water.

From major policy wins to on-the-ground results, see how science and grassroots advocacy are driving measurable change for Florida’s water.

Conservation That Delivers Real Results

Everglades restoration is one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts in the world. Progress is happening.

Across Florida, coordinated efforts are producing measurable outcomes:

  • New water storage and treatment projects coming online
  • Reduced harmful discharges in key regions
  • Rehydration of critical wetlands
  • Early signs of ecosystem recovery in targeted areas
https://captainsforcleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Roseate_Spoonbills_in_the_Everglades.jpg

Science + Advocacy + Policy = Momentum

Real conservation impact is the result of aligned effort across science, policy, and community action.

Key Drivers of Progress:

  • Science-Led Planning: Restoration projects are guided by data, modeling, and long-term ecosystem goals
  • Policy Wins: Legislative and funding decisions have unlocked critical restoration projects, including faster progress than expected on the EAA reservoir
  • Grassroots Advocacy: Community voices have helped prioritize Everglades restoration at the state and federal level. Hundreds of thousands of Floridians have signed petitions, called their legislators, and travelled to Tallahassee to advocate for the Everglades

Together, these forces are combining to create significant change across the state.

Milestones That Are Moving the Needle

Recent years have brought significant breakthroughs in Everglades restoration.

Examples of Progress:

  • EAA Reservoir under construction to store, treat, and send more water south into the Everglades
  • Associated EAA Reservoir Stormwater Treatment Area completed to remove nutrients and ensure cleaner water reaches the ecosystem
  • Increased capacity to move water south toward the Everglades
  • Strategic efforts and operational plans to reduce damaging estuary discharges

Each milestone brings Florida closer to restoring a more natural and balanced water system.

https://captainsforcleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC07770.jpg

Real Impact for Ecosystems and Communities

Restoration wins have real-world impact across Florida’s environment AND economy.

  • Healthier estuaries and coastal waters
  • Improved conditions for wildlife and fisheries
  • More reliable water resources for communities
  • Reduced risk of harmful algal blooms

Progress in the Everglades means progress for the entire state.

Community Action Is Driving Change

Behind every major policy win is a groundswell of public support.

Grassroots advocacy has played a critical role in:

  • Elevating Everglades restoration as a statewide priority
  • Influencing funding and policy decisions
  • Holding leaders accountable for progress
  • Building long-term momentum for conservation
https://captainsforcleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSC03056-e1772049931581.jpg

Momentum Is Building But the Work Isn’t Finished

While progress is real, full restoration is a long-term effort that requires continued focus.

What’s Ahead:

  • Completing major infrastructure projects
  • Continuing to stand up against bad bills when they are introduced during legislative sessions
  • Expanding water storage and treatment capacity
  • Continuing to restore natural flow patterns
  • Ensuring long-term funding and accountability

See the Progress. Understand the Impact.

Everglades restoration is delivering real results today and shaping Florida’s future for generations to come. Stay connected to hear the latest updates.

Sign up below to get the latest news, updates, and opportunities to support the movement for clean water.