This week marks the one year anniversary of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project in the Southern Everglades, the first major constructed operating component the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The C-111 Western Project pumps water from the C-111 canal into the Frog Pond Detention Area. Water is then able to infiltrate the ground, re-hydrating Taylor Slough, a critical flow-way that carries water through the heart of Everglades National Park and into Florida Bay.

Researchers at Audubon’s Everglades Science Center at Tavernier are reporting that the new project is already exceeding expectations, just one year into operation. Delivering water from Taylor Slough to Florida Bay has helped re-hydrate wetlands that had suffered for decades from decreased freshwater flows. 

Dr. Jerry Lorenz, Audubon Florida’s State Director of Research said, “The C-111 project appears to be performing beyond even the best expectations at this point. The health and quality of habitat is improving - habitat that wading birds like Roseate Spoonbills, game fish, and crocodiles depend on. These encouraging changes will continue to have a positive impact on the Everglades ecosystem.” 

Salinity levels have improved in Florida Bay and as a result, underwater plant communities are thriving. Underwater plants now cover almost five times more area than in 2008-2009, a year with similar amounts of rainfall. Forage fish, which breed in underwater vegetation, are the primary food source that signature Florida birds like Roseate Spoonbills use to feed their young. Baby Spoonbills remain in the nest for up to a month and a half before they are able to leave the nest. Both parents catch food for their young and are dependent upon the habitat surrounding their nesting area to find food for themselves and their growing chicks. 

Lorenz added, “Bottom line is that Everglades restoration works. Projects like the C-111 that put more freshwater back into the ecosystem will greatly benefit Florida’s birds, fish, and wildlife.” 

Please click here to download Audubon Florida's latest Fact Sheet on this important issue.