The Kissimmee River and its floodplain, along with the Upper Chain of Lakes, forms the headwaters of the greater Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades (KOE) ecosystem. Historically, the river meandered approximately 103 miles from Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee, through a one to two mile wide floodplain.
The river and surrounding floodplain comprised a mosaic of wetland plant communities and supported a diverse group of waterfowl, wading birds, fish, and other wildlife.
LEARN ABOUT THE K-O-E: Water's Journey: Everglades - follow the "flow" of water on its journey through the greater Everglades ecoystem: from the Kissimmee River, through Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades via this recently completed web site. Includes animations and other learning resources.