Chelsea Bartley

Extra Credit Assignment

Dec 15, 2013

          My favorite field trip was the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. I learned a lot on this field trip. I learned a lot on this one, mostly about the sea turtles. I talked with a woman there who worked very closely with them and I learned about the different types and how they were endangered. After talking to her I even have the desire to volunteer there in the near future. I had been there before, but it was nice to go in depth about the animals instead of just looking at them. Aside from the animals I also learned a lot about our environment and how it effects the animals on a daily basis. 

Brooker Creek adventure!

I think my favorite place that we visited this semester was Brooker Creek. I was shocked and delighted by the amount of wildlife we encountered. If there was ever a field trip where I thought I was on the Magic School Bus it would be this one for sure! Brooker Creek is mostly forested wetlands and pine flatwoods. The park is kind of off the beaten path but worth the drive for a truly "Florida"
experience. The park is surrounded by urban development but it has in no way disturbed its charm and beauty. Once used for citrus and cattle the land is now home to an all star line up of Florida wildlife. While we were there we were lucky enough to see, not one, not two but three snakes, and an alligator! The first snake was a harmless Coluber constrictor priapus, commonly known as the southern black racer and he was peacefully chilling on the banks of Brooker Creek. The other one however, was coiled and looking to kill... and being the fierce Agkistrodon piscivorus (commonly known as a cottonmouth) I'd say he had a pretty good chance at it. Beautiful, fantastic creature with impeccably camouflaged skin; I thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse of him in his natural habitat (last bit in an Australian accent:). But by far the best part of the whole trip was when we all tried to push on through the one time trail and now part time swamp near the end of the trek. Hats off to the few class mates who boldly walked ahead and were covered in good ol' Florida muck! All I remember is Dr. G shouting " Just remember everyone you're going to look back on this adventure and smile!". She was so right! I loved this class and thoroughly enjoyed every informative second of Dr. G's lectures and fabulous field trips...but this one was my favorite!

My Favorite Field Trip was to Booker Creek Preserve

Booker Creek Preserve

This field trip was my favorite because I enjoyed the adventure and seeing all the different communities. There were Oak Hammocks, Pine Flatwoods, and Cypress Domes. This in my opinion was the most adventurous field trip. We got off the beating path and took one that was flooded out. 

This environment can adapt to flooding with tree roots that are above the water level. There were many ferns that do well in this shady environment. I observed several species like a pygmy rattlesnake, and a cottonmouth both poisonous. I also seen a good size Alligator basking in the sun on the bank. 

I really enjoyed this class and I know so much more about Florida and I hope to continue to learn more in my future endeavors. 

Thank you

Alaina DiPaolo