Introducing the H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee

Nov 24

The Everglades Headwaters Watershed forms the boundary for the H2O, a regional protection initiative that’s all about water.

With your support, Conservation Florida is working to conserve landscapes that will provide long-term protection for Florida’s freshwater. We’re working in the Northern Everglades from the Headwaters in Orlando to Lake Okeechobee.

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This vital and vibrant landscape spans Orange, Osceola, Lake, Highlands, Glades, St. Lucie, Martin, and Polk counties.

It is prized for its large, historic cattle ranches, sweeping vistas, and critical ecosystems. Because it forms the headwaters of the Greater Everglades, its protection is vital for the future of Florida.

Land protection and water protection are intertwined in Florida’s landscapes.

Many are surprised to learn that the Everglades Headwaters begin in Orlando behind large hotels that support Florida’s bustling tourism industry. Water from Shingle Creek flows for miles before it meets Lake Tohopekalinga, on into the Kissimmee River system, and south to the Everglades.

Protection of both natural and working land in the region is essential. This landscape highlights the importance of working with ranchers to protect water, wildlife, and wildlife corridors.

The conservation projects that we target in this region will help filter surface water flowing from the north before it reaches Lake Okeechobee. In addition to contributing to the clean-drinking water supply for millions of people, the land provides shelter for many species of neotropical birds during their spring and fall migrations. It is also estimated that more than 50% of all habitat used by panthers in the Northern Everglades is on private lands.

This region is brimming with life and is home to roughly 38 federally-listed species and 161 state-listed threatened and endangered species. Our current work in this region will protect thousands of acres of family-run ranches and wild landscapes, which will provide significant habitat for Florida panthers and many other critical species like the grasshopper sparrow.

We’re working with trusted partners, including Avon Park Air Force Range, to acquire conservation easements within the H2O that will protect thousands of acres. The H2O includes the Avon Park Sentinel Landscape. Partners include NRCS, U.S. Airforce, Department of Defense, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Wildlands Conservation, Florida Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Green Horizons Land Trust, and Crawford Entertainment. Together, we’re working to protect H2O within the H2O.