This report provides insight into one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. The South Florida Everglades are an immense piece of land that is home to thousands of species of animals and plants. The research draws attention to various issues facing the Everglades ecosystem, including the history of the area and the negative effects humans are having on it. The ecosystem has undergone many changes since the addition of the canal system in the 20th century. Water quality and flow have been altered to the point that the Everglades will never be the same. Invasive plants and animals also threaten the area's landscape and wildlife, increasing the number of endangered plants and creatures. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is attempting to reconstruct the natural flow of water to the land. This land restoration project is one of the largest ever undertaken and has a budget of nearly $3-5 billion. The goal is to restore the Everglades and save it from deterioration by capturing water released into the ocean and minimizing human impact on the land. Terrain alteration images can be found in Appendix.I. IntroductionThe South Florida Everglades are home to many plant and animal species. It was created nearly 5,000 years ago when the land began to rise from the ocean towards the end of the glacial period. This created the saturated lands and Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee provides the heartbeat of the ecosystem in South Florida. Water flows from the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee during the rainy season. This leads to an overflow of water that expands the lake into a river over 50 miles wide. The water is about half a meter deep and must then flow all through the human development map of the last century. Its remaining area is now largely protected as a National Park. The construction of the canal system led to many negative impacts on the area. It has caused changes to water flow and quality and promoted the spread of invasive species. Researchers and developers in the area are trying to rebuild the ecosystem. The government has initiated a restoration program for the Everglades. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading the renovation through water management practices. The comprehensive Everglades restoration plan has been implemented by nearly 50 different agencies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water District have significantly improved the land in the first 5 years of the restoration program and continue their efforts in hopes of re-establishing Everglades ecosystems that have been destroyed.