The Everglades is a national treasure. The ecosystem is home to hundreds of species of beautiful and fascinating wading birds, mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians and plants. It is home to 72 threatened and endangered species, provides fresh water to nearly eight million Floridians and is an international destination. However, America’s Everglades is on life support.
More than 100 years of ditching and draining have reduced the wetlands to half their original size; its wading bird population has diminished by 90 percent; and pollution and other impacts have harmed much of the remaining ecosystem.
The Everglades curriculum will introduce students to key aspects of the Everglades ecosystem including its watershed, endangered species, water conservation and other topics.