Since the early 1800s, reports circulated of a phenomenon in coastal waters that discolored the water, caused fish and mammal deaths, poisoned shellfish and caused other human health problems. People described the condition as a "choking gas" because it caused severe respiratory irritation which lingered in the air for long periods of time. In the last 200 years, this phenomenon has been documented and called Red Tide.

Prior to development of southwest Florida, stormwater moved slowly through wetland strands and sloughs and in a sheet of overland flow from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. The underlying soils have limited storage capacity during summer rainy seasons, with ponding of much of the area from 3 to 6 months every year. Stormwater in the southwest section of Collier County is now managed by a series of interconnected canals with different kinds of control.

Florida's population has dramatically expanded from around 2.8 million in 1950 to 15.6 million in 2000. The Census Bureau says that immigration, high birth rates and domestic migration will drive Florida's population to 20.7 million by 2025. Between 1970 and 1990 Florida's urban areas sprawled over one million acres of formerly rural land - natural habitats, farmland, and scenic open spaces often converted to strip malls, housing developments, and low-density commercial development (Kolankiewicz and Beck, 2000).

Southwest Florida has spoken - and the message is clear. Based on the results of six community workshops, a needs assessment of local educators, and dozens of conversations with community members, it was concluded that the amount of educational programs, along with the effectiveness of these programs needs to be addressed. To better assess the situation, an environmental education working group was formed, which includes representatives from each of the major informal and non-formal environmental education organizations in Southwest Florida. Meetings are regularly scheduled, where collaboration opportunities are available.