Publix commits $2 million to Florida Everglades restoration

April 21, 2021

In continuation of our commitment to sustainability, we are contributing $2 million to remove invasive trees and plants in 1,000 acres of wetland in the Florida Everglades. These trees and plants use more than their share of water and interrupt Florida’s natural water system. So, we are funding projects at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the saline glades that will restore the health of these habitats and return an estimated 174 million gallons of water per year to the local environment.

“A clean water supply is fundamental to the health and wellness of our communities,” said CEO Todd Jones. “By collaborating with the National Audubon Society and the National Park Foundation, 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.”

The donation to the National Audubon Society will be provided over a period of 5 years to restore around 500 acres of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the western Everglades. The National Park Foundation will receive their donation over 3 years for a restoration project in roughly 500 acres of the saline glades region of the eastern Everglades. 

The plants we are helping to remove prevent rainfall from seeping into Florida’s underground aquifers. The aquifers provide daily drinking water for residents in South Florida. The plants also displace native species like mangroves, which convert salt water to fresh water. 

Additionally, the Florida Everglades acts as a natural hurricane barrier and helps reduce the impact of flooding in storm events. And the Everglades is home to 39 federally protected and endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile and Florida panther.

Work at the two sites will begin later this year. For more information, please visit publix.com/TheEverglades.

For more information about our sustainability efforts, please visit sustainability.publix.com.