April 23, 2024 — Publix works hand in hand with environmental organizations on water stewardship in Florida. With approximately 60% of the human body being made up of water, it’s an essential nutrient. Water availability and the quality of water are vitally important.

That’s why we teamed up with the National Park Foundation and the National Audubon Society to fund projects to help restore water in the Florida Everglades and improve the health of these wetland habitats.

“Clean water is vital to the health and wellness of the environment and the communities we serve,” said Publix Director of Environmental and Sustainability Programs Michael Hewett. “We’re dedicated to supporting important water-related projects in the Florida Everglades.”

Everglades National Park

According to the National Park Service, Everglades National Park is a critical habitat for protected species like the manatee, American crocodile and Florida panther. In addition, it’s a beneficial wetland that

• acts as a natural hurricane barrier
• reduces the effect of flooding in storm events and
• filters water before it makes its way to the aquifer, a natural underground structure that holds water often used for drinking.

We teamed up with the National Park Foundation in 2021 for a multiyear project supporting the removal of invasive, non-native trees and shrubs in the saline glades region of Everglades National Park. This funding has supported the restoration of an estimated 32 million gallons of water per year so far, according to third-party verification.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

The National Audubon Society considers the sanctuary a critical part of the western Everglades. This area provides flood control, aquifer recharge and wildfire protection for the region. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to many songbirds, wading birds and raptors, as well as a variety of other wildlife. This area, mostly wetlands, is key to restoring freshwater to the aquifer, rivers and estuaries.

In 2021, we began funding a multiyear restoration project on an approximately 500-acre portion of this sanctuary. In 2023, the team completed restoration efforts on the planned acreage for this project and is now moving into the final treatment phases. According to third-party verification, it’s estimated the work completed to date is already restoring more than 102 million gallons of water per year.

Learn more about our water stewardship efforts

Visit our Water Stewardship page at sustainability.publix.com.