2020 Essay Winner Grade 4

By: Louis R., 4th Grade, Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8

Did you know that Marjory Stoneman Douglas is known as “ the mother of the Everglades?” She brought a lot of attention to the problems people were causing to the Everglades. Marjory Stoneman Douglas said that “ The Everglades is a test. If we pass it, we get to keep the planet.” In my opinion, we are passing Marjory’s test. Humans are doing what they can to help restore the Everglades.

To begin with, invasive species have caused big problems to the Everglades. According to the youtube video “ Everglades, Restoring Resiliance”, the Brazilian pepper has ruined the ecosystem of the land called the “hole in the donut” in the everglades. To solve this problem and restore the land, groups began removing the plant and scraping soil away. This problem started from humans, but humans are also trying their best to fix it and prevent it from happening again. This is why I believe we are passing Marjory’s test because we are learning from our mistakes.

Moving on, people are restoring the Everglades by putting water back into it. Based on the article “South Florida water crisis has silver lining: more water for the southern ‘Glades”, the author states “This week, water managers began raising the level of a major canal that parallels Tamiami Trial, a critical step in Everglades restoration that was not supposed to happen for at least another year” This is wonderful news! This means that the Everglades is getting more water which is great for the plants and animals that need it to survive. The water going to the Everglades is treated and cleaned so it can helps plants grows. The article states “Corps says that the water flowing from the conservation area is cleaner than is required.” Marjory Stoneman Douglas would be glad to hear this! I think that we are trying our best to restore the Everglades so we are passing the test!

Finally, we are passing Marjory’s test because we are working to protect the water that is in the Everglades. The article “Park Celebrates Construction of Restoration Component,” talks about how a group called the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan has began its project to preserve freshwater and control flooding in the Everglades. They were celebrating that steps were finally being taken to help preserve and restore the Everglades. This shows that people will are trying to pass the Everglades test and protect it.

In conclusion, I believe we are passing Marjory’s test on taking care of the Everglades. Restoration projects are working to restore and protect the Everglades. I think we are learning our lessons on how important it is to protect the environment. It is everyone’s job to do their part so that our planet is healthy!