The Road Trip to Restoration in the Everglades

Written by: Eric Eikenberg, Chief Executive Officer, The Everglades Foundation

These vital waters need our help.
Photo courtesy The Everglades Foundation

Twice this year, Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency due to a toxic, blue-green algae in Lake Okeechobee that has made its way into Florida’s waterways and canals. Beaches have been closed, fishing has been restricted, health warnings have been issued and millions of dollars have been lost.

Those who live along our east and west coasts demand action. These communities are unified on the need for a water storage reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. Instead of deadly discharges, we should send the water south.

Yet, outside the immediately affected communities, there remains little awareness of the issue.

To shine light on this ongoing environmental disaster and what must be done about it, The Everglades Foundation is taking to the road – the “Road Trip to Restoration” of the Everglades.

Starting today, we’ll travel to 20 cities stretching from Orlando to the Keys to remind folks of the facts and ask them to join the 31,000 of us who have already signed the #NowOrNeverglades Declaration. To stay up to date on all bus tour developments and where you can find us in your area, please visit the #NoworNeverglades Bus Tour page.

Eric Eikenberg, Chief Executive Officer, The Everglades Foundation.
Photo courtesy The Everglades Foundation

How can you help?

• ACT by adding your name to the #NowOrNeverglades Declaration. There are three easy ways for you to sign – visit EvergladesFoundation.org/NoworNeverglades-Declaration, add your face to our Pictition mosaic, or text WATER to 66866.
• SHARE the word about the tour by sharing the #NoworNeverglades Bus Tour page on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #NoworNeverglades!
• GIVE at EvergladesFoundation.org/Giving to help our message have the farthest reach now, during the bus tour and afterward.

All of us here at The Everglades Foundation are excited about this bus tour, and I hope we can count on you to add your name in support and then help us spread our message.

Each of us has a definite stake in moving forward with the EAA Reservoir, and we sure appreciate you doing your part!