The bountiful systems of streams, aquifers, lakes, estuaries, and springs feed the widest river in the world: The “River of Grass” – America’s Everglades. Water is the key to understanding the Everglades and the manmade environment that surrounds it. The Everglades Foundation’s Science team works diligently to conduct world-class research to maintain a data-driven understanding of how the Everglades functions. The hydrology research of the Foundation’s Science team will continue to yield science-based solutions for restoring the River of Grass.

At the heart of Everglades restoration is the precious resource that connects our habitats, our communities, and our economy in Florida: Water – for our unique environments, for native flora and fauna, and the pillars of Florida’s economy. 

The Everglades provides the daily water supply for nearly 9 million Floridians, and is the foundation of the tourism, real estate, and recreation industries. The survival of the Everglades depends on the quality of its water, but restoring the beloved ecosystem will require more than restoring the flow of desperately needed water to the Everglades and Florida Bay. Our Science team conducts research on what causes imbalances in native flora and fauna, and determines the actions needed to correct those problems, and preserve the integrity of South Florida's freshwater supply.