Often, too much water is withheld from the Everglades during the wet season, or too much is diverted into it during the winter drought, disrupting the natural cycles of feeding and nesting which depend on these patterns. Sometimes the water is contaminated by pollutants . Faced with loss of habitat, disruption of water flow , and the invasion of non-native species , many animals have declined dramatically in number. Some have virtually disappeared. Fortunately, in recent years we have grown more aware of these threats , and of the importance of resolving them.
Major efforts are under way to restore the natural flow of water through the river of grass.
Research projects help us to better understand the Everglades, and what it will take to protect it. It will take education , commitment, and the participation of everyone who lives in or visits south Florida. In 1947, our grandparents created a National Park in the Everglades , to protect its magnificent biological resources.