The Florida Keys and the Everglades are among the most important and interconnected ecosystems in North America.

The Everglades’ slow-moving “River of Grass” filters and carries freshwater to the southern coast, supporting wetlands, mangroves, and estuaries that provide habitat for endangered wildlife such as manatees, crocodiles, and countless bird species. These wetlands also play a vital role in protecting South Florida by storing freshwater, improving water quality, and reducing flooding.

The Florida Keys extend this ecosystem into the ocean, where coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests support an extraordinary diversity of marine life. The coral reef tract surrounding the Keys is the third-largest barrier reef system in the world and provides habitat for thousands of species. Mangroves and seagrass beds help stabilize shorelines, reduce storm impacts, capture carbon, and serve as essential breeding grounds for marine life.

Together, the Everglades and the Florida Keys demonstrate the strong connection between healthy land and ocean environments.

Through hands-on activities, visits to research facilities, and meetings with scientists, participants will gain firsthand insight into how closely linked these ecosystems are. Along the way, they will learn why protecting water quality, preserving habitat diversity, and strengthening coastal resilience are essential for both wildlife and the communities that depend on these environments.