Coastal Systems 
Reefs and Underwater Meadows

We have started exploring the first of Florida's native ecosystems!  

Scallop in manatee grass
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/habitats/seagrass/images.htm

Turtlegrass
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/habitats/seagrass/images.htm

Our trip to Fred Howard Park allowed us to explore underwater meadows first hand.  We all went out snorkeling, some for the first time ever!  We saw seagrasses (manatee grass, turtle grass - check out this site from the FL DEP), numerous red and green algae, and a diversity of sea life! 

Everyone was captivated by the scallops and horseshoe crabs that we found, and Leslie had an admirer that wouldn't leave her leg alone!

If you have some pictures to share, be sure to post them!