The Everglades are a large wetland ecosystem in Florida. Marjory Stoneman Douglas described the area in her 1947 book, ‘The Everglades: River of Grass.’ The region is known for its open landscape, diverse wildlife, and the interaction of water and grass. The Everglades are now about half their original size. Despite this, they remain an important natural area.
Visitors can learn about the Everglades at the Mary and Stephen Byron Smith River of Grass at the Garden. This feature shows the marshes, swamps, forests, and estuaries found in the wild. Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) is a key plant in these marshes. It plays an important role in the ecosystem. The River of Grass at the Garden also helps manage stormwater by filtering rainwater before it reaches Naples Bay.
Florida’s landscape allows water to flow from the center of the state to the south. This movement supports different habitats and helps balance freshwater and saltwater in the estuaries. Plants like cordgrass, lanceleaf arrowhead, and giant leather fern help clean the water. The Garden’s Center for Nature-Based Solutions uses these areas to study stormwater management…