As the lifeblood of our community, environment, and economy, water is a cause that has captured the attention of the region.

In February, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation hosted John Moranas The Springs Eternal Project Exhibition aFloridaas Fragile Fountains of Youth,a documenting the beauty, history and increasing ecological devastation of Floridaas springs and aquifer.

What was clear is that our waters are part of an ecosystem that connects us all.

The Springs Eternal Project showcased photojournalist and nature photographer Moranas 20-plus-year journey photographing and documenting Floridaas treasured springs. As conveners around regional issues and lovers of SWFLas unique environment, we believe there is a role for our foundation to play in improving and protecting our waters.

Beginning in the fall of 2013, the foundation held four water roundtable discussions with environmentalists, developers, policy-makers and technocrats from across the region to explore the problem. A common topic that surfaced among these community leaders was the lack of unity around a common message from the region about how to address our water problems.

A unified message could result in additional assistance and opportunity for the region to drive real solutions to protect this precious resource.

On July 8, 2014, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation sent the first of two letters to the Army Corps of Engineers with a unified message from 24 individuals representing local governments and organizations from across the region.