How Did the Everglades Almost Disappear?

💡 The Answer

• In the early 1900s, canals and levees were built to drain land for agriculture.
• By the 1940s, half of the original Everglades had been lost.
• Urban development, sugar farming, and population growth further reduced wetlands.
• Disrupted water flow caused fires, saltwater intrusion, and wildlife decline.
• Recognition of its value led to protection and the largest restoration effort.