Sixth Observation

For my sixth observation I was recommended to visit a Nature Center called Gumbo Limbo which is a coastal and marine preserve located in Boca Raton, Florida. Their mission is to increase public awareness of coastal and marine ecosystems through research, education, preservation, and conservation. The center is a great place to go and learn because they have so many activities going on. They have school programs as well as public programs. They have beach programs such as beach clean ups, flied trips, day trips, overnight trips, offsite trips, onsite programs, arts and crafts activities, lectures, family programs, adult programs, children's programs, and camps. They really do try to involve the community to embrace the ecosystem around them. They want to teach them that this land around them is something we can not take for granted. There is also a lot of research that goes on in the park. Turtle research is being conducted as well as shark research. It's really endearing to know that people care so much about not only our environment but the ocean's and the creatures that call the ocean home.

As I arrived I went to the Nature Center first to find out some information about Gumbo Limbo. I was able to view the saltwater tanks where I saw many different fish. I also saw sea turtles and rays. I then walked around some paths that were full of wildlife. There were birds chirping and butterflies flying, soon enough I realized I had just walked through the butterfly garden. There were several exotic butterflies with gorgeous colorations. Then I was able to go into an observation tower were the view was indescribably beautiful. I have never been to a center that has so much to do with the community. It was a very heart-filled place. If I am ever to open a research center one day, I would hope for it to be similar to this place because not only do they do marine and animal research, they also allow for the community to be involved in the research as much as the researchers. It just makes me hopeful for the future because young minds are being filled with this important information and they are learning how important these ecosystems are not only to the animals who call it home, but also to us.

Fifth Observation

For the fifth observation I kind of took a turn and decided to observe a different sort of marine life. It is known to be one of the largest subtropical wilderness areas in the United States and it has very rare and endangered species. It has also been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. It is a very significant place to all people of the world and is known as the Everglades National Park. The day started off really early because it is about a two hour drive from Fort Lauderdale. My dad drove to the National Park and so of course I brought my pillow to rest my head on. As we got there we started hiking on a small path; there are over 150 miles of trails throughout the park. We saw several herons, such as the great blue heron and white heron. We also saw many alligators soaking up the sun and staying as still as a rock. We only saw them move if they were swimming to a different location or after food. My father and I walked about four different paths where we saw a 12-foot alligator, turtles, butterflies, and birds. The turtles we saw are called Florida Soft Shell Turtles. These turtles are found all around Florida, but mainly in the Everglades. They are limited to South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. These turtles rarely come to shore and spend most of their life in the water.

The park has many activities and things to do such as boating, camping, hiking and much more is always goes on. From Ranger led activities for the visitors, to great environmental education programs, to new scientific studies about this vast and unique ecosystem are just a few activities that take place daily. The Everglades National Park protects only one-fifth of the historic Everglades ecosystem. This massive landmass possesses several different habitats for a variety of wildlife. As time moves on and the human population and developments increase, National Parks must take on big roles to put a halt on the impacts of man on the natural world. If we do not preserve now we will be the ones that are to blame in the downfall of these precious reserves. Scientific study is the key to better understand and manage the resources that rely on our protection and care.