State and federal crews have finished a decades-long effort to undo one of Florida’s most damaging environmental projects: The straightening of the Kissimmee River.

What we know:

The work reconnected 40 miles of meandering river channel and revived 40,000 acres of wetlands that naturally filter pollution. Wildlife — from bass and sunfish to wading birds — has returned in large numbers within just a few years of reflooding.

Researchers believe the project is already limiting the size of toxic cyanobacteria blooms in Lake Okeechobee, although the problem hasn’t been eliminated.

Timeline:

Hurricanes cause widespread flooding in Central Florida.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers straightens the Kissimmee into a 56-mile canal, draining wetlands for flood control.

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