Exploring the Greater Everglades Watershed

Instructor:  Alana Edwards

Course Description:  We hear about these places in the news, but how much do you really know about the watershed in which you live?  This four week course will give you a brief introduction to the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades Watershed and your local basin, the Loxahatchee River watershed.  Selected classes will feature expert guest speakers.

Four Lectures

1 – Exploring the Kissimmee River Restoration Project – It was once a beautiful meandering river, but due to flooding the 40’s and 50’s, the Army Corps of Engineers channelized the river and altered the ecosystem drastically.  Now, in a joint project between the federal government and the state, the Kissimmee River is being restored.  Learn about the success of the first phase of construction, changes that have already taken place and plans for completing the restoration.

2. -  Lake Okeechobee Issues – Lake Okeechobee is the second largest lake in the contiguous U.S.  It was once world-renowned for its fisheries, but alterations to and around the lake have caused serious changes.  Learn the major issues impacting the lake  today and what water managers are doing to restore the lake.

3 – Restoring the Everglades – What is CERP?  -  Marjorie Stoneman Douglas referred to the Everglades as the River of Grass.  Today, it is one half of its original size, and the remaining areas are endangered as a result of adverse changes in water quality, and in the quantity, distribution and timing of flows.  Learn about how the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), will reestablish a more natural flow of water throughout South Florida, which includes the Everglades, as well as ensure reliable water supplies and provide flood control.

4 – Your Local Watershed – Investigating the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee – Learn the issues impacting this beautiful river and what water managers are doing to protect and restore it.

Biographical Information:  Alana Edwards received her Master’s in Environmental Science from FAU in 2001.  Since that time, she has worked as Education and Training Coordinator for FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies.  In that role, she has educated hundreds of teachers and students about the value of our precious water resources in Florida.