Everglades Science and Restoration Center
Leading the science behind one of the largest environmental restoration projects on the planet
40+
Years working on research in the Florida Everglades
105+
Faculty, staff and students working on Everglades research, education and restoration
66
ForEverglades & Cristina Menendez Scholars since 2008
What We Do
The FIU Everglades Science and Restoration Center is committed to delivering the science for effective restoration and policy for the Florida Everglades. Our diverse expertise and leadership has helped guide restoration for more than four decades. Located on the edge of Everglades National Park and with more than 100 researchers focused on the Everglades, FIU is helping to create an inspiring and sustainable future for this environmentally and economically important ecosystem.
SCIENCE
FIU researchers have spent more than four decades providing the science to guide restoration and protection of water resources and wildlife in and around the Florida Everglades. As part of this work, FIU leads the National Science Foundation's Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program.
EDUCATION
FIU provides hands-on instruction for students interested in careers supporting the Everglades. This includes degrees in sustainability and the environment, biology, chemistry, global sustainable tourism, engineering, public policy and more.
ENGAGEMENT
Our work includes collaborations with local, regional, state, tribal and national agencies, the Everglades Foundation, universities, research institutes and community organizations in support of restoration. Our Everglades Outreach Team provides free community education programs.
Our job is to advance Everglades restoration. We can only do this with the science behind us. FIU has been instrumental in helping us understand the vulnerabilities of the Everglades and in moving forward with restoration and preservation.Stephen Davis, Chief Scientist for the Everglades Foundation
Environmental Monitoring
From sawgrass marshes to the seagrass meadows of Florida Bay, our scientists monitor real-time and long-term environmental conditions to reveal the causes and consequences of changes in the Everglades.
Saltwater Intrusion
Research into saltwater intrusion includes effects on South Florida's potable water supply, changes in wetland elevation, effects on mangroves and the possibility of peat collapse.
Water Supply
Researchers are examining how changes in freshwater flow and water delivery to Taylor Slough affect the availability and quality of water in the Everglades in support of restoration efforts. Scientists are also studying how water supply and stressors impact vegetation and hydraulic conditions to inform planning and managing of restoration projects in the Everglades.
Canal Systems
Phosphorus exists and moves in particulate and dissolved forms in canals that drain into the Everglades. FIU scientists are investigating how canal discharges affect nutrient enrichment and impacts on the Everglades. These researchers are also investigating predator-prey dynamics in the Everglades canal systems.
Extreme Events
Our scientists have been comparing how different hurricanes impact the Everglades for more than 30 years. They are also studying the impacts of fires, cold snaps, droughts and more.
Mangroves
Institute of Environment researchers are using satellite and LIDAR data to map mangroves, studying mangrove health and stress tolerance, and researching the role of mangroves in storm mitigation, Everglades health and other beneficial functions.
Tropical Plants
From ecologically important mangroves to rare orchids, FIU researchers are studying the roles of and investigating solutions for the diverse array of tropical plants that call the Everglades home.
Recreational Fish
Researchers are studying how reduced freshwater flow into Everglades National Park led to declines in recreational fish populations. They also lead a stakeholder science program to engage anglers in fisheries research in and around the Everglades.
Wildlife
From endangered birds and alligators to the fish in the coastal waterways, FIU researchers are studying the roles of and investigating solutions for the diverse array of animals that call the Everglades home.
Home to the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research program
One of only 27 long-term, integrative science programs funded by NSF, the FCE LTER is based at FIU and includes more than 140 scientists across 32 institutions who study how human activities interact with biological processes to transform the Everglades. Scientific findings inform and guide the science, assessment, advocacy and public awareness of Everglades restoration.
Did You Know?
FIU led the research that established a water-quality standard to protect Everglades National Park from excess phosphorus. Decades of fertilizer use in nearby areas had polluted the River of Grass, leading to devastating ecosystem changes. By limiting phosphorous, our scientists helped chart a course for restoration. The standard was incorporated into the federal Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and is still in place today.
Director of Institute of Environment
Research areas include aquatic ecology and predator-prey dynamics.
Endowed George Barley Eminent Scholars Chair
Research areas include algal ecology, diatoms and environmental change indicators.
Principal Investigator of the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research Program
Research areas include ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry and environmental disturbance impacts on carbon and nutrient dynamics.
Associate Research Professor
Research areas include botany, land management, landscape scale restoration and water quality.
Vice Provost of Environmental Resilience and Executive Dean of College of Arts, Sciences & Education
Research areas include sharks, alligators and other predators of the coastal Everglades as well as marine ecology.
Director of Freshwater
Research areas include environmental chemistry, water quality and pollutant monitoring.
Associate Dean of Research
Research areas include coastal resilience and sustainability science.
Director of Coastlines and Oceans
Research areas include biogeochemical cycling, seagrass ecology and ecosystem modeling.
Director of International Center for Tropical Botany at The Kampong
Research areas include tropical botany, community ecology and forest biodiversity.
Director of Sea Level Solutions
Research areas include water management resilience, environmental predictions and hydrologic modeling.
Facilities & Research Groups
Research facilities in the Institute of Environment provide monitoring, sampling, analysis, field operations support and other services. Our research groups feature experts studying specific phenomena and topics related to Everglades health, restoration, ecosystem services, economic impact and more.
Partnerships
Experts in FIU's Institute of Environment work with partners across the world to increase impact of research and community projects. This includes Everglades National Park, the Everglades Foundation, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, the South Florida Water Management District and many more focused on the Everglades.
The Everglades
The Everglades is home for threatened and endangered species, some of the oldest cypress trees on the planet and the largest continuous seagrass meadow on Earth. Providing drinking water for 9 million Floridians, the Everglades also serves as a buffer for coastal storms, absorbs CO2, and supports Florida fisheries, recreation and tourism.
News
Science & TechnologyWhy are robots roaming Biscayne Bay?
Jun 5, 2025
Science & TechnologyNature's blueprint defines species makeup for sharks, rays
May 20, 2025
Science & TechnologyProtecting seagrasses could prevent billions of dollars in damages, research finds
May 6, 2025
Science & TechnologyNot in the mood: Mercury messes with songbirds’ mating game
May 1, 2025
Science & TechnologyResearchers are testing a textured seawall designed to hold back water and create a home for marine organisms
Apr 16, 2025
Science & Technology25 years of Everglades restoration has improved drinking water for millions in Florida, but a new risk is rising
Apr 15, 2025