World Wetlands Day: Protecting What Protects Us
February 2 is World Wetlands Day! Not to brag, but Florida is home to the most wetland ecosystems in the continental United States. From the cool canopies of cypress swamps to freshwater marshes like the Everglades, our wetlands are full of life - and they give life to us!
Did you know: Wetlands used to cover more than half of the state? That’s roughly 20.3 million acres.
Today, only about half of these original wetlands are left, wiped out by developed and degradation. It’s up to us to protect them.
Our Florida wetlands are more than just beautiful – they're functional! Wetlands filter water, keeping groundwater healthy for plants, animals, and humans.
Many of Florida’s unique feathered, scaly, and furry friends call wetlands home, from the rare and endangered Florida panther, to stunning birds like ibis and herons, to aquatic species including manatees and tarpons. To protect the critters we share our home with, we must protect the wetlands where they live!
Floridians are no stranger to extreme weather, and wetlands are one of our first lines of defense when hurricanes and storm surges come knocking. Mangroves absorb flood waters and protect against erosion, and swamps are expert water managers, holding flood water and naturally releasing it during droughts. Our wetlands are true (and smart) protectors!
Since our founding in 1999, we’ve protected roughly 45,000 acres of land across Florida from the Panhandle to the Keys — and that includes wetlands! From the coastal marshes of Innerarity Island to the old swamps of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, our team works every day to permanently protect our irreplaceable wild lands and the water and wildlife within them.
There’s no better way to fall in love with our wetlands than by experiencing them for yourself! Our team happily hosts events throughout the state where we invite you to adventure through the places you’re helping protect.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know about upcoming events where you can experience wild Florida in the company of likeminded supporters and conservationists.
It’s not too late to save our wetlands – to save what saves us. This World Wetlands Day, we invite you to celebrate our precious wetlands join our mission to save Florida's water, wildlife, and wild places - before they’re lost forever.
in case you missed it:
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved nearly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy. Learn more at conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.
