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 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

Roseate spoonbill in water

Let’s Move Some Dirt! Golden Triangle Marsh Creation

After many years of planning, the State of Louisiana broke ground on the $54.6-million Golden Triangle Marsh Creation project, a 600-acre project the National Wildlife Federation has long advocated for, that … Read more

Monarch caterpillars on the White swamp milkweed (Asclepias perennis) flower.

From Backyard Monarch Enthusiast to Citizen/Community Scientist

Misadventures with milkweed About ten years ago, a neighborhood friend of mine told me with great enthusiasm about her adventures raising monarch butterflies. I was intrigued. I followed her lead … Read more

manatee

Manatees on the Move!

Did you know manatees are being sighted with increasing frequency in Northwest Florida? More and more coastal residents and visitors are delighted as they see manatees when they are swimming, … Read more

Lights Out Texas

Avian migration, one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, takes flight every spring and fall. Up to two billion birds soar across Texas making the Lone Star sky a bird superhighway. … Read more

Whooping crane

Four Ways Climate Change is Impacting Key Species in Texas—and Four Ways to Combat It

You haven’t truly seen a whooping crane until you’ve wandered onto the wetlands where they winter. The horizon is just a bit bigger there. Saltmarshes and ribbons of water unfurl … Read more