Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Moccasin Lake Nature Park

The weather had been pretty bad all day (Rain/Thunderstorms), but had cleared up pretty good for our trip to the park. It was still very over cast, Slight Breeze and about 78 degrees. In 1982 Moccasin Lake Nature Park was formed after being used for a borrow pit, where the soil from this location was being used and taken to other locations. Once the park was established, it has been used to help injured animals, and educate people of the public about many things. Some of these things include, which animals are native to the Florida area, what different plants are in this area, and learning to see without own eyes in a different perspective how Florida is known for its diversity.  This park has many different ecosystems but I believe the main is a hammock ecosystem because of the trees and almost always able to be seen when you look up.

Our first stop was in the main building, where we got to see all different animals including reptiles, and amphibians. These were living animals so we were able to see how they interacted with people when in tanks or cages. The main one that stuck out at me was the Green Anole, which is a native to Florida. Although, these lizards are very really seen compared to other lizards. A Green Anole is in the Reptile Classification.



Once we were done inside the main building, we went outside where there were many different birds. The main bird that I enjoyed seeing where two bald eagles, these two birds had been injured and were being cared for. Bald eagles come to Florida during the summer to be able to breed.



Other habitats we were able to see at this park, were invasive and noninvasive plants. The air potato is the main invasive plant, and something else that is a common and native is the Spanish moss.



This park was very enjoyable, and allowed me personally to understand a lot more of what we have been talking about in class because I could see it firsthand and be able to create a reference in my head for the future. 

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