The spring 2026 “State of the Everglades” report highlights both meaningful progress and the work still ahead, says Audubon Florida.
“Restoration efforts under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan are beginning to reconnect water flow, improve habitat and strengthen resilience against rising seas<” says the org.
Topics covered in Audubon’s State of the Everglades Spring 2026 Report include:
Download the entire at:media.audubon.org/2026-06/AF_SOTE_Spring2026_v5_web%20(1)%20(1)%20(2).pdf
Learn more about the org at Audubon.org/Florida.
Pet adoption event returns
Collier County Domestic Animal Services is joining forces with Petco Love, a national nonprofit for pets, and animal welfare groups across the state of Florida on a shared mission to find homes for over 2,000 dogs and cats in shelters.
The 4th Annual Petco Love Florida MEGA Adoption Event is taking place on June 19, 20 and 21 at Petco stores, local shelters and other locations throughout Florida.
During the 2025 event, 2,103 dogs and cats found new homes in just three days, demonstrating the power of coordinated, community-driven lifesaving efforts at a time when many shelters are at a critical capacity.
In 2026, nearly 50 organizations across 34 counties will come together once again with a shared goal of finding homes for over 2,000 pets, expanding access to adoption opportunities and connecting more families with pets in need.
All pets will be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations. All adoption fees will be waived; some exclusions may apply.
Locally, pets will be available at the following locations:
Collier County Domestic Animal Services
Petco
“The Petco Love Florida MEGA Adoption Event is an incredible opportunity to connect homeless pets with loving families while helping shelters across the state reduce overcrowding during one of the busiest times of the year,” said Meredith McLean, director of Collier County Domestic Animal Services. “We are proud to partner with Petco Love and animal welfare organizations throughout Florida to make adoption more accessible and give thousands of deserving pets a second chance at a happy life.”
“Summer is one of the busiest and most challenging times for animal shelters, as they care for an influx of pets while resources and space are stretched thin,” said Chelsea Staley, President of Petco Love. “The Petco Love Florida MEGA Adoption Event encourages pet lovers across Florida to choose adoption and helps provide our shelter partners with much-needed relief during the peak summer season. By bringing communities, shelters, and adopters together, this event will help thousands of pets find loving homes.”
To learn more about the event, including days, times, and locations in your area, visit megaadoptflorida.com.
Live, work or play on Marco Island, South Naples or Everglades City? If so and you have something you’d like featured in Now You Know, send your information to mail@marconews.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Now You Know: Audubon’s ‘State of the Everglades’; pet adoption event
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to the Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Will Watts, Special to the Eagle | USA TODAY Network
