The Everglades is a very special place and I hope to return and spend more time visiting different regions. From my short exposure to this unique landscape I understand that water is the lifeblood of the Everglades. We witnessed so much biodiversity–we were awe struck. I appreciated the opportunity to visit the Tribal lands of the Miccosukee. The Miccosukee were originally part of the Creek Nation, and migrated to Florida before it became part of the United States. During the Indian Wars of the 1800s, most of the Miccosukee were removed to the West, but about 100, mostly Mikasuki-speaking Creeks, never surrendered and hid out in the Everglades. Their understanding of the Everglades was not shared by non-Native settlers who built dams, floodgates, roads, levees, and canals. Invasive plants and animal species have taken over areas and agriculture and industry pollution have had devastating effects on the fragile ecosystem. Climate change is also taking a toll. The Everglades National Park was created in 1947, but outside its borders people waged war on this wetland. Today the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is working to mimic the historic natural flow of the water. Early results are encouraging–but much education, protection, and restoration is still needed. Environmental activist Marjory Stonemason Douglas dedicated her long life (she lived to be 108) to preserving the Everglades and its interconnected ecosystems.