The teams met with elected officials and staff, celebrating the historic bipartisan support behind restoring and protecting the source of drinking water for millions and a trillion-dollar economic asset.

Islamorada’s Mary Barley, founding board member of the Foundation, attended. For decades Mary has led the effort to restored and protect America’s Everglades and Florida Bay.  

From  Mary Barley: “There is no substitute for showing up. When 75 of us fanned out across the halls of Congress last month, we weren't just telling the story of Everglades restoration, we were proving it. Together, we've helped secure billions in bipartisan funding and accelerated completion of the EAA Reservoir by five years. Restoration is working, and it’s worth the investment.

For those of us in Islamorada, this isn't just about the River of Grass, it's about Florida Bay. The Everglades Foundation was founded more than 30 years ago because Florida Bay was in crisis. Seagrass was dying, fish populations were declining, and local economies were feeling the impact. In Everglades restoration, Florida Bay is the "canary in the coal mine" because it reflects the health of the entire Everglades ecosystem. When the Everglades suffer, Florida Bay suffers.”

To read more of Mary’s thoughts - Click here.

Mary has lived in Islamorada for many decades.  She works diligently campaigning to protect the waters that surround our islands.

According to the Everglades Foundation website: Mary Barley served as Board Chair of The Everglades Foundation from 1995 through 2002, was Vice Chair from 2003 to 2012, and remains a vital member of the Board today. She has served on the World Wildlife National Council since 2007, and its Marine Leadership Committee since 1996. She has also served on the Boards of the National Parks Conservation Association, the Everglades Trust, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Clean Water Action, the Sierra Foundation, the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, and the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.  

Last year Mary was inducted into the Everglades Coalition Hall of Fame. Click here