Get Involved
One of the best hopes to restore the Everglades lies in the ability to influence the political will of those in positions of power to advance restoration. The scientific technology and know-how to fix the Everglades exists. The challenge is summoning the political will to do so and the most important person to help do this is you. By staying informed, communicating with lawmakers and voicing your concern, you can make the difference in this epic journey to restore the River of Grass.
It's no wonder thousands of people each year are captivated by America's Everglades! For years, mangrove swamps and sawgrass marshes covered the entire Southern Florida peninsula and supported populations of deer, bear, manatee, alligators, wading birds and thousands of other species of wildlife.
Today, scarred, polluted and encroached by development from all directions, the Everglades remains a fascinating two-million-acre expanse of rich plant and animal habitat. It is the single source for fresh water that not only sustains millions of people in our urban communities, but flushes wetlands and feeds coastal estuaries leading to the country's only coral reef structure. For decades, efforts have been underway to reverse the damage, halt the encroachment and restore the Everglades to a more naturally functioning state.
So whether you invest a few moments each month to keep current with Everglades restoration, read a newsletter or indulge in walking, boating or a driving tour of the Everglades, we're sure you will be inspired. The Everglades Foundation will help you translate that inspiration into personal involvement and action to save this ecological treasure.
KEEP INFORMED
Everglades Action
As a supporter, sign up to receive Everglades Action, the Foundation's quarterly newsletter. Keep abreast of news and use announcements of upcoming events to plan your personal involvement in Everglades restoration activities.
Action Alerts
Sudden developments such as actions in Tallahassee or Washington, D.C., require the Everglades Foundation to quickly mobilize resources and public opinion at a moment's notice. As each issue arises, you are presented with opportunities to learn more, express your views to elected officials and news media, attend meetings and network as consensus builds. Keep your e-mail address and contact information current.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Write your elected officials
One of the pillars of informed public policy is communication with elected officials. We encourage you to inform and make your views known to federal, state and local officials who represent you. Joining with thousands of other supporters of Everglades restoration through letter writing, phone call and and e-mail campaigns remain some of the most effective forms of advocacy and activism. Click here to access the contact information of your elected officials.
Write letters to the editor
Concerned citizens share an effective tool regarding the influence of public opinion - letters to the editor. Newspapers and some electronic media reserve space alongside their own editorial comments for feedback from the public. Typically, they print letters from citizens in proportion to the number and opinion, pro or con, on key issues. Make your voice heard in steadfast support of Everglades restoration by informing and expressing yourself to your local news media. Click here to access the contact information of newspaper editors.
NETWORK
Link to the River of Grass Coalition
Today's Internet abounds with meaningful environmental sites, such as the River of Grass Coalition ( http://www.riverofgrasscoalition.org) that enable businesses, neighborhood associations, social services agencies, sporting groups, industry associations and faith-based organizations to join thousands in expressing yourself on key issues. Include these organizations on your computer's "Favorites" column with links to these sites.
Post on our Message Boards
Get started in supporting Everglades restoration by posting your comments on one of the key issues on the Everglades Foundation's message board linked to this web site. We appreciate and value your comments. Tweet, blog or reference Everglades restoration on via social media and otherwise exchange information with the broader global community. Don't forget to keep us informed of your findings!
Send an e-card
Click to go to one of the beautiful and convenient e-cards to express your commitment even as you send electronic greetings.
GO FORTH
Attend Public Everglades Meetings
From the South Florida Water Management District meetings to conferences and exhibits, find out about Everglades-related activities and events that keep you inspired and motivated to fight for Everglades restoration.
Visit these sites to stay informed:
