Dana Espinosa for the Everglades

I captured these photos of some of the incredible creatures in the Everglades, including plenty of birds (if you know me, you know I love birds!!), during visits by airboat, on a swamp walk, and along Loop Road.

The beauty of the Everglades is endless and unlike anywhere else on Earth. Please help us continue the vital work to preserve, protect, and restore this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

Your support means so much. Any donation is truly appreciated! 💚

“Be a nuisance where it counts; do your part to inform and stimulate the public to join your action. Be depressed, discouraged, and disappointed at failure and the disheartening effects of ignorance, greed, corruption, and bad politics—but never give up.” - Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Friends of the Everglades Founder

That spirit still fuels Friends of the Everglades today, 56+ years later.  When you give, you are joining that fight to protect America’s Everglades, for wildlife, for clean water, and for future generations.

Please read more below for more information on why this work matters to everyone!

🌿 Why This Matters to Everyone

The Everglades isn’t just a Florida treasure, it’s a national treasure. It is the only Everglades in the world, home to endangered and protected species like the Florida panther, manatee, snail kite, and countless plants and birds found nowhere else. It’s also the source of drinking water for 9 million people. When we fight to protect the Everglades, we’re not just standing up for wild beauty in South Florida, we’re defending public lands, national parks, and natural heritage that belong to all Americans.

💧 Why Our Work Matters Now

Polluted waters, toxic algae, sugarcane burning, and unchecked development are constant threats to the health of this ecosystem and all Floridians. These issues aren’t far-off problems, they affect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the climate that sustains us all. Friends of the Everglades works every day to hold polluters and policymakers accountable while educating and activating the public to create real change.

💪 Why I Believe in Friends of the Everglades

What inspires me most is the FOE team’s tireless dedication. They are a talented group of advocates walking in the footsteps of our founder, Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Their work is rooted in the belief that ordinary people, when informed and united, can protect extraordinary places. 

Thank you!!