The United States in 1906 planted Australian melaleuca trees to drain Florida’s wetlands, but scientists now say they spread across nearly 500,000 acres, replacing native sawgrass marshes with dense invasive forests that alter fire and water cycles

Florida’s wetlands are battling an ecological crisis, with Australian melaleuca trees, introduced over a century ago to drain swamps, now dominating 400,000 acres. These invasive forests disrupt vital water systems and alter fire patterns, transforming native marshes. Experts highlight the immense challenge of managing this widespread infestation, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to reclaim the land and restore the delicate balance of the Everglades.