Temperature: 81 degrees F
Overcast with 76% humidity
Objective: Observe a hammock habitat within Pinellas County
History: The park is over 90 acres, it is one of the oldest parks in Pinellas County. The park got its named based off the ecosystem present "Hammock".
When entering the main trail there was black mangroves present within the water way, mangroves would only be present if there is salt water, therefore the canal would need to be brackish water. In the canal there was a paid of mallard ducks out for a swim.
As we continue on the trail it is clear the park is a mesic park, it was not flooded and it was not dry. With such a dense cannopy it can be dificult for light to reach plants in the understory. Below is a picture of a fern going in an Oak tree, this is called an epiphite, it is not harming the tree.
There was presence of fungi on sever of the fallen trees, fungi and bacteria are the main decomposers in a hammock ecosystem.
As large trees fall it creates an opening that allows light into the under story. This allows other plants to grow in its place, this process is known as gap succession.
It was interesting seeing the various adaptations one would need to survive in this habitat.
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