Honeymoon Island

      On August 28th, we adventured to Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Florida. This island originally was home to many species of hogs, but was later transformed  into a park during the 80's. In just this year, 1.6 million people have visited Honeymoon Island. Honeymoon Island is not only one of the most visited parks in the United States, but it also is home to many foreign and native species.
     One type of foreign species found on the island is the Brazilian pepper plant, which thrive on fertile and salty soil. Because of the great growing conditions found on the island, Brazilian pepper has become  a highly invasive species.
     One type of native species found on the island was poison ivy.  Poison ivy is mostly know for its dangerous effects on human skin. However, poison ivy plays a part in the ecosystem by providing food for many different types of wildlife. With the fertile soil and abundance of water poison ivy is able to grow very well, and many patches of poison ivy were found throughout the island.
    Honeymoon Island is home to many different species of animals and plants- foreign or native. This diversion of species makes Honeymoon Island a wonderful place to come explore.
     
Brazilian pepper.


Poison ivy.


A cool tortoise we saw while walking on the natural trail.


The dangerous rosemary pea.