Through advocating for funding for Everglades restoration projects, they are also working to stop yearly blue-green algae outbreaks that clog some of the state’s waterways, impacting the environment and economy. A recent LightHawk Conservation flight with The Everglades Foundation Chief Science Officer, Dr. Steve Davis, showcased a unique bird’s-eye view of this critical restoration project and the breathtaking landscape it aims to preserve. The crown jewel of the restoration plan is the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, a holding tank the size of Manhattan that is under construction through a partnership between the State of Florida and the Federal government. It will connect Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades and deliver much-needed clean freshwater. The Everglades Foundation’s work encompasses not only the size and scope of the project but also a rich backstory filled with high-profile supporters and captivating wildlife. A recent economic study by the Foundation values the ecosystem, which is the source of drinking water for Miami-Dade County, as a $1 trillion asset to Florida. It supports a “Clean Water Economy” of tourism, recreation and real estate, generating $330 billion each year in GDP. For every $1 invested in Everglades restoration, $4 of benefits is realized throughout Florida; EvergladesFoundation.org.