A short distance from an information kiosk, a sign attached to a railing overlooks the drainage canal with vegetation and brush on the other side. Nearby, a measuring pole stands in the water in the canal.
The title appears over an illustrated aerial view of South Florida, two inset photos, and an illustration of the measuring pole.
Sign Text in English and Spanish:
"Fresh water once flowed freely from the north through sawgrass marshes and sloughs, sustaining the Everglades. But many years ago, a vast system of canals and levees was built to drain the landscape for farms and homes — with drastic impacts on nature's flow.
Now, add sea level rise to an already-thirsty Everglades. As warming temperatures melt glaciers and make ocean waters expand, rising seas drive salt water farther inland, altering ecosystems. Everglades restoration promises to send more fresh water flowing southward, creating a more resilient ecosystem and mitigating the effects of saltwater intrusion."
On the photo of an illustrated aerial view of South Florida, labels point out Lake Okeechobee in the center of the peninsula, and coastal cities Miami to the southeast, and Naples west on the gulf coast. Arrows show freshwater flowing south from Lake Okeechobee and saltwater pushing into the southern tip of Florida. Dotted lines indicate the Salt Water / Fresh Water transition zone. The "You Are Here" arrow points slightly inland of the Salt Water / Fresh Water transition zone.
An inset image shows a small bird colored with olive-gray and brown streaks, and a yellow spot above its beak.
Caption:
"The endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow has moved northward with changing vegetation. Sea level rise now threatens this marsh dweller's final nesting grounds."
An illustration shows an elevated road that allows water to flow under it.
Caption:
"For decades, Tamiami Trail has functioned like a long dam preventing sufficient water from reaching Everglades National Park. Today, major restoration projects are bridging sections of the highway to allow more life-sustaining fresh water to flow into the park."
An illustration shows rising tides along a tall pole over time. "This pole marks Shark Valley's fresh water level — and future sea levels that would push salt water into this area and beyond." From bottom to top:
The blue marker shows average sea level in 2000 at zero.
A red marker shows projected sea level in 2100 at 3 feet.
Another blue marker identifies the average elevation of fresh water in northern Shark Slough at 7.5 feet.
A yellow marker marks the local elevation of Tamiami Trail at about 9-and-a half feet.
A red marker puts projected sea level in 2300 at 12 feet.