Moccasin Lake Park by Martha Rhine

On Friday, August 26, we visited Moccasin Lake Park for our first field trip. The park is located in Clearwater, near the SPC campus. The class time consisted of helping pull weeds such as Caesar Weed and Air Potato, both invasive species in Florida, reviewing the different Biomes found in North America, and taking a nature walk to observe this particular environment.

The Caesar Weeds and Air Potato are out of control. They grow everywhere! It is simply overwhelming to think of getting rid of it all. Our class tackled one small section and did the best we could in about 45 minutes of working. The day was heating up fast, so I'm glad we stopped when we did.

 Air Potato plant covering the ground. This is a fast-growing vine native to Asia. It covers the ground fast and climbs the trees. This limits the growth and development of native species. 

Caesar Weed growing tall among the native trees and plants. It's best to pull it before it gets too tall and develops enough to spread.

Our nature walk served to teach us about this particular biome. We learned about native species to Florida, the invaders that threaten them as well as other threats, and how to recognize which areas have been affected and how.

 This is Moccasin Lake.

 Air Potato eaten by bugs.

We ended the trip by visiting the nature center and observing the animals that are kept there do to injury or handicap. 

                                                           Class was a hoot! #dork

Fun class, and a great way to spend the morning. See you next time! 

-Martha