Everglades Information Sources: 6 Authoritative Channels for Research and Exploration

The Everglades—North America's largest subtropical wilderness—is documented and managed by a network of federal, state, academic, and nonprofit institutions. Here are the primary authoritative sources for information.

1. National Park Service (NPS) – Primary Federal Steward

Everglades National Park (1.5M acres, UNESCO, Wetland of International Importance)

• Website: nps.gov/ever – Maps, alerts, permits, ranger programs, research reports
• Visitor Centers: Ernest Coe, Shark Valley, Gulf Coast, Flamingo
• Data: Species lists, hydrology monitoring, fire management, cultural resources

2. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

State wildlife authority for Everglades and adjacent lands

• Website: myfwc.com – Hunting/fishing regulations, WMA maps, species profiles
• Key programs: Python removal, panther recovery, manatee protection, alligator management
• Data portal: GIS layers, harvest reports, research publications

3. The Everglades Foundation

Leading science-based advocacy nonprofit (founded 1993)

• Website: evergladesfoundation.org – Restoration science, policy analysis, education
• Focus: CERP (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) advocacy, phosphorus reduction, climate resilience
• Resources: Peer-reviewed research, economic studies, K-12 curriculum

4. University of Florida (UF) Everglades Programs

• IFAS Extension: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu – Applied research, stakeholder education
• Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center: Soil/water science, invasive species
• Everglades Wetland Research Park (FGCU): Biogeochemistry, restoration ecology

5. South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

Regional water authority managing canals, levees, pump stations, stormwater treatment areas

• Website: sfwmd.gov – Real-time hydrology, project status, permit data
• DBHYDRO database: 30+ years water quality/level/flow data
• Key role: CERP implementation partner, flood control, water supply

6. Additional Local Resources

• County libraries/extensions: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Collier, Hendry
• Miccosukee & Seminole Tribes: Cultural/ecological knowledge, guided tours
• Conservancy of Southwest Florida: Policy, wildlife hospital, education
• Friends of the Everglades: Grassroots advocacy (founded by Marjory Stoneman Douglas)

Choosing Your Source

Visitors: NPS website + visitor centers. Researchers: DBHYDRO + UF + Foundation publications. Advocates: Foundation + Friends + tribal perspectives. Anglers/Hunters: FWC regulations + SFWMD water data.

The Everglades' complexity demands multi-source literacy—no single entity holds the complete picture.