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.