In matters of the heart, Florida Sandhill Cranes are some of the most romantic locals we know. Did you know these native lovebirds mate for life and are often seen foraging together in freshwater marshes, prairies and pastures?

Sandhill cranes are iconic members of the Florida ecosystem. They stand almost 4 feet tall and don a distinctive, heart-shaped patch of red skin on the top of their head. Their elegant stature and unique markings have made them a symbol of love in the Florida landscape.

The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes form the headwaters of America’s Everglades, and the Kissimmee River Restoration Project is vital to restoring the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Construction on the Kissimmee River Restoration Project was completed in 2021, making it one of the largest successful restoration projects in history. This milestone set the stage for the phased implementation of a new regulation schedule to manage the water levels in the Kissimmee River and the surrounding lakes.

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) works year-round to advance and expedite the largest wetland restoration effort in the world?

Together with our local, state, and federal partners, the SFWMD continues to make significant progress to restore America’s Everglades, revitalize our wetland ecosystems and protect South Florida’s water resources.

A comprehensive effort is underway to protect and restore America’s Everglades – now and for future generations. New data demonstrates that restoration and resilience projects across our region are making a measurable difference for water quality and the ecological health of South Florida's natural resources.

Did you know water supply planning, water conservation and the use of alternative water supplies are essential to meet the growing demand on our limited water resources?

More than 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in Central and Southern Florida by more than 9 million residents and visitors for drinking, bathing, watering our lawns, growing crops and servicing industries.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is committed to advancing resiliency initiatives that protect and safeguard South Florida's water resources now and for future generations. 

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) supports alternative water supply and conservation projects that help meet future water needs in South Florida?

The SFWMD is now accepting applications for cost-share projects to develop alternative water supplies that help meet the growing demand on limited water resources throughout its 16-county region. This initiative is part of the State of Florida’s continuing efforts to implement cost-effective strategies to conserve its precious water resources while meeting the state's water needs.

As the winter season approaches and daylight becomes shorter, there are many ways to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the cooler weather throughout Southern and Central Florida.

The winter solstice is Thursday, December 21, marking the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight. In the days leading up to the solstice, there are fewer hours of daylight, allowing for longer tranquil nights.

Did you know conserving water helps reduce stress on our water supplies during the dry season when rainfall is limited? In South Florida, water is a precious resource that must be managed and conserved year-round to protect our communities and natural systems.

More than 50 percent of the water used by South Florida residents is for landscape irrigation. With billions of gallons of water used every day and projections for continued population growth, we all need to do our part to conserve water and ensure there is enough for people and the environment.

This week, we’re celebrating an anniversary for America’s iconic River of Grass. This extraordinary ecosystem was formally dedicated as Everglades National Park on December 6, 1947.

As we celebrate the national park’s 76th anniversary tomorrow, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, we’re highlighting our continued work to support the ecological health of our Everglades now and for future generations.