Friends of the Everglades
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foreverglades.bsky.social
Friends of the Everglades
@foreverglades.bsky.social
Founded in 1969 by Marjory Stoneman Douglas, our mission is to protect, preserve & restore the only Everglades in the world. Science-driven, solutions-focused.
Give Miami Day, our biggest online-fundraiser of the year, is coming soon. Consider making a donation during the giving period, November 15-20.

We’re all in this together.

PS - can’t wait to give? Donate here now: everglades.org/donate
November 13, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Our executive director, Eve Samples, speaks to the lasting power of our founder Marjory Stoneman Douglas’s vision, carrying her legacy forward with the same courage and conviction that defined her work.

www.naplesnews.com/story/news/e...
Following a famous Floridian's footsteps is hard. Eve Samples continues Douglas' fight
Eve Samples is at the head of a group fighting in court and on social media for the closing of a detainment center called Alligator Alcatraz.
www.naplesnews.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:56 PM
ICYMI: “Alligator Alcatraz” is STILL open, in defiance of the National Environmental Policy Act, which we filed suit under in June. We’re still working to shut it down.

Stick with us to stay updated and share this post to further our efforts to 🛑stop "Alligator Alcatraz."🛑
November 7, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Have you ever witnessed this iconic sunflower superbloom in the southeastern Everglades?

Take a walk down the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary boardwalk with our Multimedia Producer to experience some of the magic!

www.everglades.org/sunflower-bl...
Sunflower blooms at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary bring beauty and brawn to Everglades ecosystem
www.everglades.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Every autumn, fields of Southeastern Sunflowers transform @CorkscrewSwamp into a sea of gold. These native blooms aren't just beautiful; they support pollinators, conserve water, and strengthen the Everglades ecosystem. See more photos by Leah Voss at everglades.org.
November 5, 2025 at 5:36 PM
We’re feeling energized from a gathering of community Sunday for a peaceful demonstration opposing the detention center in the heart of the Everglades. To all who came, please accept our sincere thank you. 1/3
October 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
“Alligator Alcatraz was planned in secret, built in secret, and has been operated in secret. That's what we're up against." — Eve Samples, Friends of the Everglades
We’re not backing down.

www.news-press.com/story/news/e...
Alligator Alcatraz: Everglades detention center suit hits a snag - the government shutdown
Everglades detention facility "Planned in secret, built in secret, and has been operated in secret." Now, a suit challenging its legality has stalled
www.news-press.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Since we filed our first lawsuit in June to stop “Alligator Alcatraz” we have received messages of encouragement from supporters all around the world. We couldn’t do this without YOU, so please accept our heartfelt gratitude. 💚

#everglades #nationalparks #thankyou
October 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Next time you’re in the cypress swamp, don’t forget to look up! 👀⬆️
#everglades #bigcypress #cypressswamp #naples #swfl #florida
October 28, 2025 at 2:33 PM
“Alligator Alcatraz” should be shut down by now.
In August, a federal judge believed the evidence that this makeshift immigration prison was harming the Everglades. She ruled it to be shut down within 60 days. 1/5
October 27, 2025 at 2:42 PM
On Wednesday, an appeals court granted a federal request to pause appellate court proceedings in our lawsuit challenging the massive detention center in the Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” This effectively halts court proceedings due to the federal government shutdown.
October 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Hurry! Make a trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary ASAP to catch literally 🌻millions🌻 of Southeastern sunflowers (Helianthus agrestis) blooming along the boardwalk.

📍375 Sanctuary Road W., Naples
🪶 Visitor center, nature store and cafe
🕰️ Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last admission at 1 p.m.)
October 22, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Catch RIVER OF GRASS in theaters! Tickets remain for shows this week at @gablescinema.bsky.social.

If you can’t make a screening in Miami, the film plays at @dctvny.bsky.social's Firehouse Cinema October 24-30th in New York City and each viewing is followed by enlightening Q&As.
October 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
JOIN US OCT. 26! 🐊✌️“Alligator Alcatraz” continues to operate in violation of federal law that requires an environmental analysis of the site. 1/
October 21, 2025 at 3:43 PM
“Government officials in Florida have misled the public they are supposed to work for, and the Everglades have been harmed as a result,” Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, said in a statement. Full AP story:

apnews.com/article/flor...
Florida officials didn't disclose funding request for 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility, lawsuit says
Florida officials have been accused of failing to disclose their application for federal reimbursement for an immigration detention center in the Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz."
apnews.com
October 17, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Federal law was ignored when the Everglades detention camp was built. That’s ironic because the law (NEPA) came into being as the result of a government’s reckless insults to this very land. 1/2

bit.ly/4nbmX0G
The rule of law is under attack in the Everglades. We’re fighting back | Opinion
A new threat to the Everglades echoes a 1960s environmental fight. | Opinion
bit.ly
October 17, 2025 at 1:56 AM
“Alligator Alcatraz” was planned in secret. Built in secret. Operated in secret.

Now, Friends of the Everglades is taking action to uncover the truth.

Learn more at www.everglades.org/we-just-file...
October 14, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Join fellow Everglades defenders on Sunday, Oct. 26 for a peaceful gathering at the entrance of the Everglades detention center (54575 Tamiami Trail).

Share this post to spread the word and strengthen our presence.

No airports. No rock mines. No prisons. ONLY EVERGLADES!
October 13, 2025 at 2:18 PM
It’s been 100 days since “Alligator Alcatraz” was ramrodded into the heart of the Everglades and began taking detainees. 100 days from now, we’ll be wrapping up oral arguments at the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

No airports. No rock mines. No prisons. ONLY EVERGLADES!
October 10, 2025 at 2:44 PM
What’s going on at “Alligator Alcatraz”?

Unfortunately, too much.
October 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
🍃Nature spotlight on Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area🍃
October 7, 2025 at 5:24 PM
💣LAWSUIT BOMBSHELL: The FEMA funds given to the state of Florida are a smoking gun — more proof that the facts are on our side. “Alligator Alcatraz” should be SHUT DOWN to stop irreversible damage to the Everglades and comply with the law. 1/2
October 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Big congratulations to our very own Swamp Doc, Leah Voss, for being recognized in Stuart Magazine! 💚

bit.ly/476zZYx
Local Photographers Have Their Eyes on Nature - Stuart Magazine
These local photographers' images shine a light on nature's magic, and they work with research organizations to help protect that magic.
bit.ly
October 3, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Fresh blacktop photographed Sept. 26 by pilot Ralph Arwood shows an expanse of new pavement at “Alligator Alcatraz” — and reminds us why we’re fighting to shut down this lawless prison.

Find out how to support us at everglades.org.
October 2, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Friends of the Everglades has launched the Everglades Defense Fund to protect this ecosystem from "Alligator Alcatraz" and other destructive proposals. We’re honored to have the support of iconic Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher.

Give today at everglades.org/everglades-detention-center.
October 1, 2025 at 2:57 PM