Summary: The Kissimmee River in Florida has been restored to its natural state after being diverted into a straight canal 50 years ago. A recent project has restored the river's meandering floodplains, replenishing wetlands and bringing back waterfowl, raptors, fish, and mammals. The restoration is a milestone worth celebrating and learning from, as the Kissimmee River is an important and lesser-known waterway that flows into the Northern Everglades. The river was straightened in response to flooding and hurricanes, but the restoration project has brought back the river's curves and wildlife is thriving once again.