The collection documents the civic, political, and environmental activism of Helen Ferris, a long-time Fort Lauderdale resident and noted watchdog of Port Everglades. Materials reflect Ferris's extensive engagement with issues of public governance, environmental stewardship, and community advocacy from the mid 1970s through the early 2000s. Much of the collection highlights industrial activities and development projects proposed or undertaken at Port Everglades during this period, including a wastewater treatment plant, sludge plant, waste incinerator facility, asphalt plant, scrap metal recycling plant, and a proposed pipeline across Central Florida.