Everglades restoration.

The Florida Everglades plays an important role in the availability of fresh water. It is also home to a variety of native plants and wildlife. Invasive, non-native trees and plants are a serious threat to this natural resource. If left unchecked, these invasive species can disrupt our water supply and damage this valuable natural resource and habitat.

As part of our commitment to protect, conserve, and restore the Florida Everglades, we work with the National Park Foundation and the National Audubon Society to remove these invasive trees and plants. Our efforts have helped restore an estimated 165 million gallons of water per year and more than 1,300 acres of wetlands in the Florida Everglades.

“A clean water supply is fundamental to the health and wellness of our communities,” said Publix Executive Chairman Todd Jones. “Through these collaborations, we are deepening our commitment to water stewardship by protecting, restoring, and conserving an area that supplies nearly 8 million Floridians with fresh water every day and provides a critical natural habitat for endangered native species.”

Restoring Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

birds flying over Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary — Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to many species of endangered and threatened wildlife.

Publix supports the National Audubon Society‘s efforts to remove native-nuisance vegetation in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary of the Western Everglades. Carolina willow absorbs rainwater before it can seep into underground aquifers that provide South Florida residents with drinking water. These native-nuisance and additional invasive species displace native plants that iconic Florida wildlife species like the wood stork and Florida panther need to survive.

before and after images of removing invasive vegetation — Before-and-after images show where native-nuisance and invasive vegetation were removed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Carolina willow, shown at left, crowd out other native species. The removal of these native-nuisance and non-native species restores watersheds to their natural state, shown at right.

Since 2021, our donations have helped support the removal of these willows and the restoration of 500 acres of wetlands. This work is restoring an estimated 102.5 million gallons of water annually.

“Publix‘s ambitious restoration initiative at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary will not only improve the habitat for iconic Florida species like the wood stork, but it is an investment in the quality of life for downstream communities in Naples, Bonita Springs, and more,”

Julie Wraithmell
Executive Director of Audubon Florida

Over the next two years, we will donate an additional $1.13 million to help the National Audubon Society restore 250 more acres of wetlands in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Supporting restoration in Everglades National Park.

In 2021, Publix pledged a three-year donation to the National Park Foundation (NPF) to help remove and control Australian pine trees in the saline glades region in the eastern portion of Everglades National Park.

Invasive, non-native species, such as the Australian pine, are a serious threat to the integrity of the Everglades’ ecosystem. Australian pines are much larger than the surrounding flora and tend to consume significantly higher amounts of water than their native counterparts.

Workers walk through mangroves toward the Australian pines at Everglades National Park in Florida.

“At the National Park Foundation, we value the role of our partners in helping to safeguard America’s national treasures,” said Chad Jones, senior vice president of corporate partnerships, National Park Foundation. “Thanks to Publix’s support, we’re able to make significant strides in creating a healthier future for vital ecosystems like Everglades National Park and the communities that surround it. We couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with Publix on this important work.”

Our efforts to support NPF in this endeavor have restored approximately 884 acres of land and an estimated 63 million gallons of water per year to the environment. This project has also improved freshwater flow to the Florida Bay, which is essential to the area’s native dunes, beach vegetation, and wildlife.

The significance of the Everglades.

The Florida Everglades acts as a natural hurricane barrier and helps reduce the impact of flooding in storm events. It is also home to 39 federally protected and endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile, and Florida panther. We are proud to support projects that protect this important ecosystem.