Publix Is Donating $1.1 Million to Restore Wetlands in the Florida Everglades

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Publix is building on its commitment to the Florida Everglades through a donation of $1.1 million over the next two years. These funds will help the National Audubon Society restore the natural landscape of an additional 250 acres of wetlands in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a part of the western Everglades.

This project is estimated to return more than 50 million gallons of water a year to the wetland’s ecosystem.

“We’re proud to provide support to such an important project in Florida,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous. “Clean drinking water is vital to the health and wellness of the communities we serve.”

Wetlands play an important role in the availability of fresh water and are home to a variety of native plants and wildlife. They also help control flooding by absorbing excess water and providing filtration.

“We would like to thank Publix for its donation and ongoing support,” said Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Keith Laakkonen. “This project is helping to reduce the risk of wildfires, ensure ample drinking water, and reduce the problems caused by harmful algal blooms along our coasts.”

Our continued commitment to the Florida Everglades

In 2021, Publix announced its initial commitment to fund a total of $2 million in projects that spanned multiple years to remove invasive trees and plants in the eastern and western Florida Everglades. These projects with the National Audubon Society and the National Park Foundation have helped restore an estimated 165 million gallons of water per year and more than 1,300 acres of wetlands in the Florida Everglades.

Learn more about Publix’s sustainability efforts by visiting csr.publix.com.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates, currently operates 1,400 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 28 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.