Conservation
Identifying Challenges and Implementing Solutions Before It's Too Late
Identifying Challenges and Implementing Solutions Before It's Too Late
Conservation is one of the core pillars of The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks, reflecting our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and restoring the unique ecosystems within Florida’s four national parks. These natural treasures, spanning from the Everglades’ wetlands to the vibrant coral reefs of Biscayne, are vital not just for the wildlife that inhabits them but also for the millions of visitors who come to experience their beauty and wonder.
Our goal is to identify and address potential environmental issues before they escalate into serious or irreversible problems. We work closely with park rangers and scientists to monitor Florida’s treasured wildlife and plant life, survey once-forgotten areas, and find sustainable solutions. The challenges we face vary from park to park, but our efforts remain consistent and focused on managing invasive species, protecting endangered native species, and preserving delicate ecosystems like coral reefs.
For instance, our ongoing support for the python research program at Big Cypress National Preserve, initiated in 2017, has led to the removal of over 70 invasive pythons, totaling more than 3,786 pounds. These efforts are crucial to maintaining the ecological balance within the preserve.
Conservation at The Alliance goes beyond traditional methods; we innovate to create impactful programs that resonate with both the environment and the community. At Dry Tortugas National Park, we fund the University of Miami interns who monitor sea turtle activity on Loggerhead Key during the six-month nesting season. Their daily observations have recorded nearly 600 nesting events in a single season, playing a critical role in protecting this endangered species.
Additionally, the nurse shark research program at Dry Tortugas National Park, the only continuous study of a free-living shark population, receives our support. This program helps scientists understand shark behavior and ensure the survival of this key species in the marine ecosystem.
Our conservation efforts extend to protecting Florida’s fragile marine environments. In Biscayne National Park, we funded the installation of more than 25 mooring buoys to safeguard the Florida Reef. These buoys prevent anchor damage to the reef, which is already under threat from bleaching events and coral diseases. Our commitment also includes funding Biscayne National Park’s beach clean-up programs, which have removed over 31,000 pounds of trash in a single season, helping to maintain the health of the park’s shorelines and marine life.
The Alliance is deeply involved in restoring ecosystems impacted by both natural and human activities. From regrowing coral in Biscayne National Park to helping recover post-logging forests in Big Cypress National Preserve, our reach is extensive. We are dedicated to repairing Florida’s wilderness, whether it’s through direct conservation efforts or by providing resources to support scientific research and innovative restoration projects.
At The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks, conservation is more than just a mission—it’s a responsibility. We are passionately devoted to protecting what remains of Florida’s wilderness and ensuring that these precious ecosystems continue to thrive for future generations. Through our conservation programs, we aim to provide visitors and communities with the opportunity to connect deeply with these natural spaces, fostering a collective resolve to preserve and protect them.
Our efforts are ongoing, and our commitment knows no bounds. From the reefs of Biscayne to the cypress domes of Big Cypress, we strive to make a lasting impact on the health and vitality of Florida’s national parks.
Visit each park’s page to see what conservation projects are currently underway at Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Everglades National Park.
