Historically, Miami-Dade County was encompassed by the Everglades, a vast wetland rich in ecology. Then, in 1906 the State of Florida embarked on an ambitious program of Everglades drainage to provide fertile new lands for agriculture.  By 1913, the Miami Canal connected the Miami River with Lake Okeechobee, while the water from the swampland was carried out to sea along connecting waterways. This land drainage project caused Miami-Dade County to become more desirable to investors and tourists alike.

By the early twenties, the city’s population had climbed to nearly 30,000, a 440 percent increase since 1910.  Now, eighty years later, Miami-Dade County is home to over 2 million residents. Because of the rapid and consistent increase in population and development, there are constant demands on our lands.

Miami-Dade County occupies 2000 square miles and consists of mostly flat land. The highest altitudes range from 8 to 15 feet above sea level. The county sits above limestone rock, which acts as an aquifer for our drinking water supply.  Miami-Dade County is home to six major ecosystems that we are fortunate to have all in our backyard.

DERM protects this land by inspecting facilities that are potential pollution sources, restores lands by removing invasive exotic species and returning native species to their habitat. DERM also purchases Environmentally Endangered Lands to ensure they do not further degrade. You will learn about these and other endeavors DERM tackles to preserve our precious lands, as well as how you can help in the following section.