South Central

NWF’s South Central Regional Center encompasses 12 states along the Gulf Coast and stretches into the Midwest. Priority programs focus on protecting and restoring healthy rivers and estuaries, conserving wetlands, protecting wildlife habitats, and connecting people with the natural world.

A person poses with and holds a hanging lamp.

Earth Tomorrow: Houston Brings Environmental Justice to High School Student Leaders

Young Leaders at Earth Tomorrow Summer Institute With support from the Friedkin Group, this summer, a cohort of 25 high-school students across 14 different schools in the Greater Houston Area … Read more

A white, black and gray bird with a yellow beak can be seen.

50 Years of the Endangered Species Act: A River Restoration Success Story

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), a landmark federal legislation that is hailed for protecting hundreds of species across the country. This essential law … Read more

Unique Plants and Wildlife Found in America’s Everglades

Spanning 1.5 million acres, America’s Everglades is a unique biodiversity hotspot. The Greater Everglades sustains the economies of neighboring communities, enhances outdoor recreation opportunities, and replenishes the aquifer that provides … Read more

A gray manatee floats just above the ocean floor.

Manatees and Meadows: The Remarkable Seagrass Habitats of the Florida Panhandle

If you live in Escambia, Santa Rosa, or Okaloosa County, you may have seen us at a boat ramp or fishing pier giving out polarized sunglasses and talking to anyone … Read more

Restoration Successes in America’s Everglades

In Florida, everything runs on clean water. It keeps our economy afloat, draws tourists to beaches, fuels freshwater springs, delivers drinking water to homes, and sustains Florida’s vibrant fish and … Read more

A pelican covered in a brown/black substance.

50 Years of the Endangered Species Act: A Gulf Coast Success Story

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), a landmark federal legislation that is hailed for protecting over 1,600 species across the country. This essential law … Read more

Kayaking through Turner River mangrove tunnels. Credit: Glenn Watkins

3 Wildlife-Friendly Ways to Explore the Everglades

The Everglades are a true American treasure, renowned for breathtaking wilderness and spectacular wildlife. People travel from all around the world for first hand experiences of this iconic region that … Read more

Green metallic sweat bee

The Life of a Solitary Bee

Bee species’ behavior has fascinated humans for eternity. Throughout the world, we watch them buzzing from flower to flower, collecting pollen. From classical songs to company logos and home décor, … Read more

Beautiful and healthy tricolored heron in a marsh.

Leveraging the Individual Voice at Maurepas Swamp: The Case for Public Input 

Corps reconsiders decision, selects Maurepas Swamp restoration for mitigating impacts from levee project “Take action!”“Sign this petition.”“Call your representative.”“Write your congressman.” People often think their individual voice won’t make a … Read more

manatee and calf

New Flood Resilience Report Highlights Risk at the Community Level

Changing environmental conditions — including increased impacts from climate change-driven sea level rise, land subsidence, and more — all factor into a community’s risk of flooding. More and more areas … Read more